103 cities covered · Currency: KRW (₩) · Capital: Seoul
| Expense | Estimated cost | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ₩13,165 ($9.54) | per meal |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | ₩52,661 ($38.16) | per meal |
| Cappuccino | ₩3,950 ($2.86) | each |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | ₩298,411 ($216) | per month |
| Monthly public transport pass | ₩48,272 ($34.98) | per month |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | ₩127,264 ($92.22) | per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | ₩36,863 ($26.71) | per month |
| Fitness club membership | ₩36,863 ($26.71) | per month |
| Cinema ticket | ₩9,654 ($7.00) | each |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₩751,038 ($544) | per month |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | ₩522,461 ($379) | per month |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | ₩1,567,384 ($1,136) | per month |
Seoul · pop. 23,016,000
Busan · pop. 3,453,198
Incheon · pop. 3,049,315
Daegu · pop. 2,444,412
Gwangju · pop. 1,490,092
Daejeon · pop. 1,475,221
Gyeonggi · pop. 1,234,300
Ulsan · pop. 1,127,553
Gyeonggi · pop. 1,084,817
Gyeonggi · pop. 1,061,929
Gyeongnam · pop. 1,009,998
Gyeonggi · pop. 948,757
Chungbuk · pop. 848,000
Gyeonggi · pop. 772,450
Gyeonggi · pop. 732,376
Jeju · pop. 698,358
Chungnam · pop. 656,583
Jeonbuk · pop. 653,055
Gyeonggi · pop. 623,256
Gyeonggi · pop. 607,435
Gyeongnam · pop. 534,124
Gyeongbuk · pop. 520,305
Gyeonggi · pop. 514,274
Gyeonggi · pop. 463,324
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in South Korea
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in South Korea
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in South Korea
Side-by-side cost of living comparison in South Korea
Living costs in South Korea vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ₩1,400,141 ($1,015) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.
Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.