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Cost of Living in Taebaek

Taebaek, Gangwon, South Korea · Population 46,715

▼ -16% vs South Korea average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₩1,171,019 ($849)
Couple, monthly₩2,118,477 ($1,535)
Family of four, monthly₩2,778,289 ($2,013)

Estimated Prices in Taebaek

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₩11,178 ($8.10)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₩44,712 ($32.40)per meal
Cappuccino₩3,353 ($2.43)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₩253,368 ($184)per month
Monthly public transport pass₩40,986 ($29.70)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₩108,054 ($78.30)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₩31,298 ($22.68)per month
Fitness club membership₩31,298 ($22.68)per month
Cinema ticket₩8,197 ($5.94)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₩612,115 ($444)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₩425,819 ($309)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₩1,277,457 ($926)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Taebaek is ₩3,229,200 ($2,340) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₩1,171,019 ($849) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₩1,522,325 ($1,103) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₩425,819 ($309)) represents about 36% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Taebaek

Taebaek vs SeoulTaebaek vs BusanTaebaek vs IncheonTaebaek vs DaeguTaebaek vs GwangjuTaebaek vs Daejeon

Nearby Cities

Samch’ŏk

34 km away · Gangwon

Ulchin

41 km away · Gyeongbuk

Tonghae

43 km away · Gangwon

Yŏngju

50 km away · Gyeongbuk

P’yŏngch’ang

57 km away · Gangwon

Gangneung

65 km away · Gangwon

Chech’ŏn

69 km away · Chungbuk

Andong

71 km away · Gyeongbuk

Other Major Cities in South Korea

Seoul

Seoul · pop. 23,016,000

₩1,750,697 ($1,269) / mo

Busan

Busan · pop. 3,453,198

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Incheon

Incheon · pop. 3,049,315

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Daegu

Daegu · pop. 2,444,412

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Gwangju

Gwangju · pop. 1,490,092

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Daejeon

Daejeon · pop. 1,475,221

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Suwon

Gyeonggi · pop. 1,234,300

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Ulsan

Ulsan · pop. 1,127,553

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Living in Taebaek

Taebaek is one of the key cities in South Korea. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₩1,171,019 ($849), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₩425,819 ($309) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₩2,778,289 ($2,013) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₩2,118,477 ($1,535) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Taebaek is ₩3,229,200 ($2,340). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₩1,522,325 ($1,103) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taebaek expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₩1,171,019 ($849) per month in Taebaek including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for South Korea.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Taebaek?
A net salary of around ₩1,522,325 ($1,103) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Taebaek with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Taebaek is ₩3,229,200 ($2,340).
How much is rent in Taebaek?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₩612,115 ($444) per month in the city centre and ₩425,819 ($309) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₩1,277,457 ($926).
Is Taebaek cheaper than South Korea on average?
Yes — Taebaek is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the South Korea average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Taebaek?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₩253,368 ($184) in Taebaek. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₩11,178 ($8) and a cappuccino runs around ₩3,353 ($2).
How do transport costs in Taebaek compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Taebaek is estimated at ₩40,986 ($30). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Taebaek are estimates based on South Korea national averages adjusted for city size (population 46,715). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.