Cost of Living in Korea 2025: How Much Do You Really Need?

Updated breakdown of rent, food, transportation, and other daily expenses in South Korea

Overview of Average Living Costs in Korea (2025)

"The average monthly living cost for a single person in Korea ranges from 1.7 to 2.2 million KRW (approximately USD 1,200 to 1,500)."

  • Costs vary significantly based on location and lifestyle.

  • Living in Seoul is about 20–30% more expensive than in other cities.

  • In regional cities like Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju, costs are about 20–30% lower than in Seoul.

In 2025: Inflation and rising real estate prices have pushed average living costs up by around 7% compared to 2023.

Major Expenses Breakdown 

Category Seoul (Monthly) Regional Cities (Monthly)
Studio Apartment Rent 600,000 ~ 1,000,000 KRW 400,000 ~ 700,000 KRW
Food (Groceries + Dining Out) 400,000 ~ 600,000 KRW 350,000 ~ 500,000 KRW
Transportation Around 70,000 KRW Around 60,000 KRW
Internet + Mobile 50,000 ~ 80,000 KRW About 50,000 KRW
Miscellaneous 100,000 ~ 200,000 KRW 80,000 ~ 150,000 KRW

Housing: Rent Trends in 2025

Housing remains the largest living expense in Korea.

  • Seoul: Renting even a small studio can cost close to 1 million KRW per month.

  • Regional Cities: More affordable, but prime locations are becoming pricier.

"Share houses" and "officetels" remain popular for foreigners seeking affordable housing options.

Food Expenses: Dining Out vs. Cooking at Home

  • Eating out: A typical meal at a casual Korean restaurant costs around 8,000 ~ 12,000 KRW.

  • Groceries: Prices have increased slightly; expect around 300,000 ~ 400,000 KRW per month if cooking regularly.

Pro Tip: Traditional markets (시장) are often cheaper than supermarkets for fresh produce.

Transportation Costs: Efficient and Affordable

  • Seoul's subway and bus system are highly affordable and efficient.

  • Standard one-way fare: 1,400 KRW (around USD 1.05).

  • Monthly transportation pass: About 65,000 ~ 70,000 KRW.

Many residents rely entirely on public transportation, especially in urban areas.

Extra Costs: Healthcare, Entertainment, and Essentials

  • Health insurance (for foreigners under National Health Insurance): Around 100,000 ~ 150,000 KRW/month.

  • Gym membership: 50,000 ~ 100,000 KRW/month depending on location.

  • Entertainment (cinema, cafes, etc.): Expect 100,000 ~ 200,000 KRW/month.

Healthcare costs remain very affordable compared to many other countries.

Conclusion: How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Korea?

In 2025, to live comfortably in Korea:

  • Single person in Seoul: 2.0–2.5 million KRW/month

  • Single person in regional cities: 1.5–2.0 million KRW/month

"Living in Korea is still relatively affordable compared to major cities in the US, Europe, or Japan — but careful budgeting is essential!"


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