🇰🇷 Cost of Living in Seoul
How much you'll actually spend — not what travel blogs tell you
Monthly budget · Single · city center
$1,385/mo
Just you and your questionable life decisions
The real monthly damage
Rent — the biggest line item
Source: Numbeo. Prices in USD unless toggled.
Grocery prices — the supermarket reality check
Eating out — because you won't cook every night
Getting around — or trying to
30-day trial run
What a month-long scouting trip costs before you commit to anything permanent.
Seoul vs. similar cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Seoul?▼
A single person can expect to spend about $1,385/month in Seoul, including rent in the city center, groceries, transport, and utilities. Couples need roughly $1,724/month.
What is the average salary in Seoul?▼
The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Seoul is about $2,989, according to Numbeo data.
Is Seoul expensive compared to other cities?▼
Compared to similar cities: Almaty ($1,241/mo), Phuket ($1,065/mo), Bangkok ($982/mo), Kuala Lumpur ($958/mo), Haifa ($2,257/mo). Seoul comes in at $1,385/mo for a single person.
Cost data sourced from Numbeo. Updated periodically.