Cost of Living in Korea in 2025: A Complete Guide for Expats and Visitors

※ This article is based on official information as of August 17, 2025.

Summary at a Glance

If you are planning to move to South Korea or even just stay for a few months, one of your biggest questions is likely: What is the real cost of living in Korea in 2025?

Here’s the quick answer:

Housing: Rent in Seoul averages ₩700,000–₩1.5M per month for a small apartment; cheaper in other cities.
Food: Eating out is affordable, with Korean meals around ₩8,000–₩12,000, while Western restaurants are pricier.
Transportation: Public transport is efficient and cheap; about ₩70,000 per month with a transit card.
Utilities & Internet: Expect around ₩250,000 per month for electricity, gas, water, and Wi-Fi combined.
Daily life: Coffee costs ₩5,000, movie tickets ₩15,000, and gym memberships about ₩70,000.

In short: The cost of living in Korea in 2025 is moderate compared to Western countries, but Seoul is significantly more expensive than other regions.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Korea

The cost of living in Korea depends heavily on lifestyle, location, and whether you’re single, a student, or a family. While Korea is cheaper than cities like Tokyo or New York, Seoul’s rising housing prices make it more expensive than many other Asian cities.

According to Statistics Korea (KOSTAT), the consumer price index in 2025 has grown modestly by around 2.4% from last year, mainly due to energy costs and imported food prices.

Housing Costs

1. Rent in Seoul

One-room apartment (officetel): ₩700,000–₩1,200,000 per month
Two-bedroom apartment: ₩1,200,000–₩2,000,000 per month
Luxury expat housing in Gangnam or Itaewon: ₩3M+ per month

2. Rent in Other Cities

Busan, Daegu, Gwangju: 20–30% cheaper than Seoul
Jeju Island: Affordable rural housing, but rising demand due to tourism

3. Key Money System (Jeonse)

Korea has a unique housing deposit system called Jeonse (전세). Instead of paying monthly rent, tenants put down a large deposit (₩100M–₩300M) and live without monthly rent for 2 years. This is less common for foreigners, but worth noting.

Food & Groceries

1. Eating Out

Kimbap or ramen (simple meal): ₩5,000–₩7,000
Korean BBQ (per person): ₩20,000–₩35,000
Mid-range Western restaurant: ₩25,000–₩50,000

2. Groceries (Monthly for one person)

Rice (10kg): ₩30,000
Milk (1L): ₩3,000
Eggs (30 pcs): ₩9,000
Chicken breast (1kg): ₩12,000
Imported cheese or wine: 30–50% more expensive than in the US/EU

Average monthly grocery cost: ₩300,000–₩500,000 per person

Transportation

1. Public Transport

Subway ride: ₩1,450–₩1,750 depending on distance
Monthly transportation card: about ₩70,000
Taxis: Base fare ₩4,800 in Seoul (slightly cheaper in other cities)

2. Car Ownership

Gasoline: ₩1,750 per liter (2025 average)
Parking in Seoul: ₩150,000 per month in central districts
Insurance & taxes: around ₩1.5M per year

Owning a car in Seoul is costly; most expats rely on public transport.

Utilities & Internet

Electricity: ₩80,000–₩120,000 (higher in summer/winter with AC/heating)
Gas (heating/cooking): ₩60,000–₩120,000 depending on season
Water: ₩30,000–₩50,000
Internet + mobile phone: ₩70,000–₩100,000

Monthly average for a single household: ₩250,000

Daily Life Expenses

Coffee at Starbucks: ₩5,500
Local café Americano: ₩3,500
Movie ticket: ₩15,000
Gym membership: ₩70,000/month
Haircut (men): ₩20,000–₩25,000
English-speaking salon (expats): ₩60,000+

Regional Differences: Seoul vs. Other Regions

Seoul: Higher rent, more Western restaurants, higher daily costs.
Busan: Cheaper housing, great seafood, still urban lifestyle.
Daegu & Daejeon: Affordable, less English-friendly but family-friendly.
Jeju Island: Attractive for retirees, nature, and tourism.

Real-Life Case Example

Maria from Spain (Digital Nomad in Seoul)
Maria moved to Seoul in early 2025. She rents a one-room officetel in Mapo for ₩1.1M per month. Her monthly expenses are:

Rent: ₩1,100,000
Groceries & eating out: ₩450,000
Transport: ₩70,000
Utilities: ₩250,000
Entertainment & misc.: ₩300,000

Total: ₩2.2M (~$1,600) per month.

She says Korea is more expensive than Spain but cheaper than London, and public transport makes life affordable.

Step-by-Step Guide: Estimating Your Monthly Budget

Decide your housing type (one-room, officetel, or shared housing)
Choose your location (Seoul vs. smaller cities)
Plan for food (Korean meals vs. Western restaurants)
Add transport costs (public transit vs. car)
Don’t forget utilities and internet
Set aside 15–20% for entertainment, healthcare, and unexpected costs

FAQ

Q1: Is Seoul more expensive than Tokyo?
Seoul is cheaper in terms of groceries and eating out, but rent in Seoul can be comparable to Tokyo in central districts.

Q2: Can I live in Korea on $1,000/month?
Yes, but only if you live outside Seoul, share accommodation, and eat mainly Korean food.

Q3: What about families with children?
Expect ₩4M–₩6M monthly in Seoul, especially with international school fees.

Official Information Links

A Last Line to Keep in Mind

Living in Korea in 2025 doesn’t have to break your budget. With smart choices, you can enjoy modern city life, rich culture, and affordable daily living — whether you’re a student, worker, or just here for adventure.

One Thing Worth Sharing

If you found this guide useful, share it with friends who are thinking of moving to Korea — it might help them prepare better and avoid surprises.

Cost of Living in Korea 2025 | Seoul vs Other Cities Full Breakdown