Cost of Living in Korea in 2025 | Full Guide for Expats

Understanding the Cost of Living in Korea in 2025 (A Complete Guide for Expats and Visitors)

※ This article was first published on 2025-08-17, and last updated on 2025-09-02.

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Summary at a Glance (What Foreigners Should Expect in 2025)

If you are planning to move to South Korea (대한민국) in 2025—whether as a student, professional, digital nomad, or family—one of your first concerns will naturally be the cost of living. The reality is that Korea offers a moderate cost of living compared to Western nations, yet regional differences between Seoul (서울) and other cities remain significant.

Housing: Rent is the single largest expense. In Seoul, a one-room officetel typically ranges between ₩700,000 and ₩1.5M per month, while luxury apartments in areas like Gangnam (강남) or Itaewon (이태원) can exceed ₩3M. In Busan (부산), Daegu (대구), or Gwangju (광주), rents are often 20–30% cheaper.
Food: Eating out is affordable by global standards. A Korean meal (dosirak, bibimbap, or simple noodles) costs ₩8,000–₩12,000, while Korean BBQ ranges from ₩20,000–₩35,000 per person. However, Western dining is significantly pricier, averaging ₩25,000–₩50,000.
Transportation: Korea’s public transportation—subways, buses, and intercity trains—is both reliable and affordable. A monthly transit card in Seoul costs around ₩70,000. Taxi base fares are ₩4,800 in Seoul, slightly cheaper in regional cities. Owning a car remains costly due to fuel, insurance, and parking.
Utilities & Internet: For a one-person household, combined expenses for electricity, gas, water, internet, and mobile plans average around ₩250,000 monthly, though higher in extreme weather seasons.
Daily Life: An Americano at Starbucks costs ₩5,500, while a local café charges around ₩3,500. A cinema ticket is ₩15,000, and gym memberships average ₩70,000 per month.

In short: Korea’s cost of living in 2025 is highly manageable with smart budgeting. While Seoul is undeniably more expensive due to housing and lifestyle costs, other cities offer a balance of affordability and quality of life. Compared to Tokyo (東京) or New York, Korea is still moderate, though lifestyle choices can quickly elevate monthly expenses.

This guide will break down expenses in detail—housing, food, transport, utilities, and lifestyle costs—and compare Seoul with other key regions such as Busan, Daegu, Daejeon (대전), and Jeju Island (제주도). By the end, you’ll not only understand numbers but also gain practical strategies for managing your budget as an expat or visitor.

Eligibility & Conditions (Who Pays What and Why)

Understanding the cost of living in Korea in 2025 is not a one-size-fits-all calculation. The total expenses you will face depend on your visa status, housing choice, family size, and lifestyle expectations. Below, we analyze which groups of foreigners typically spend more, who can save significantly, and what hidden conditions influence the overall budget.

1. Singles and Students

For university students, language learners, or single professionals, the cost of living is relatively modest—especially if they live outside Seoul (서울).

Housing: Shared accommodations near campuses such as Yonsei University (연세대학교) or Korea University (고려대학교) may cost only ₩400,000–₩600,000 per month.
Food: Many rely on school cafeterias, where meals are as cheap as ₩5,000. Convenience-store meals (dosirak, triangle gimbap) also help keep food costs low.
Condition: Students often receive discounted transportation cards and cultural benefits, reducing monthly costs further.

👉 A student in Seoul may live on ₩1.2M–₩1.5M per month, while in Daegu (대구) or Gwangju (광주), ₩800,000–₩1.2M is possible.

2. Working Professionals

Expats working for multinational companies or Korean firms typically have higher salaries but also higher expenses.

Housing: Most prefer officetels or mid-size apartments near business districts (Gangnam, Yeouido, Jamsil). Rent typically ranges ₩1M–₩2.5M.
Food & Lifestyle: Eating out with colleagues is common; expect Korean BBQ, Western dining, and after-work drinks (hoesik 회식) to add ₩400,000–₩600,000 monthly.
Transportation: Public transport is standard, but taxis may be used frequently after late dinners or work meetings.

👉 A professional in Seoul will likely spend ₩2.5M–₩3.5M per month depending on housing choice.

3. Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

Since Korea introduced more flexible visas for remote workers, digital nomads are a growing demographic.

Housing: They often choose one-room officetels or Airbnbs in trendy areas such as Mapo (마포) or Itaewon (이태원). Costs: ₩1M–₩1.5M per month.
Lifestyle: Nomads spend heavily on cafés (since Korea’s café culture is huge), co-working spaces, and leisure activities.
Condition: Income depends on overseas earnings, so currency exchange fluctuations matter.

👉 Average monthly expenses: ₩2M–₩2.8M.

4. Families with Children

Families face the highest living costs, especially if children attend international schools.

Housing: A family-size apartment in Seoul can range ₩2.5M–₩5M per month, depending on district.
Education: International school tuition is extremely high (₩20M–₩40M annually per child). Local public schools are cheaper but may pose language challenges.
Healthcare & Insurance: Expats often purchase private health insurance, costing ₩200,000–₩400,000 per month.

👉 Family monthly expenses in Seoul can easily reach ₩5M–₩8M, while in Busan (부산) or Daejeon (대전), it is typically ₩3.5M–₩5M.

5. Retirees and Long-Term Residents

Foreign retirees in Korea often choose quieter regions like Jeju Island (제주도) for affordability and lifestyle.

Housing: Rural or suburban housing can be rented for ₩500,000–₩800,000 monthly.
Lifestyle: Daily groceries and healthcare dominate expenses; retirees tend to cook at home, lowering food costs.
Condition: Those on long-term residence visas may access National Health Insurance (국민건강보험), significantly reducing healthcare burdens.

👉 A retired couple outside Seoul can live comfortably on ₩1.8M–₩2.5M per month.

6. Key Financial Conditions That Affect Everyone

Regardless of category, foreigners must account for certain structural financial conditions unique to Korea:

Housing Deposits (보증금): Even for monthly rentals (wolse 월세), deposits can range from ₩5M–₩20M. For Jeonse (전세), deposits can exceed ₩200M.
Insurance & Contracts: Mobile phone and internet plans may require alien registration (ARC, 외국인등록증).
Lifestyle Inflation: Living like a local is cheap; living like an expat in Seoul’s global neighborhoods is costly.

✅ Conclusion: Eligibility and lifestyle choices strongly dictate the cost of living. A single student outside Seoul may live comfortably under ₩1M, while a family in central Seoul may need over ₩6M per month. The gap is wide, but with proper planning, Korea remains accessible for diverse income levels in 2025.

Step-by-Step Application Guide (How to Estimate Your Budget in Korea 2025)

Budgeting in Korea (대한민국) is not just about adding rent, food, and transport. Foreigners often forget hidden deposits, seasonal variations in utilities, or lifestyle-driven expenses. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of building a realistic monthly budget for life in Korea in 2025.

Step 1. Choose Your Housing Type and Deposit Method

Housing is your biggest fixed cost. Before even calculating rent, you must understand Korea’s dual rental system: Wolse (월세 – monthly rent) and Jeonse (전세 – key money deposit).

Wolse (월세): You pay a large but manageable deposit (₩5M–₩20M) and monthly rent (₩500,000–₩2M depending on location).
Jeonse (전세): You pay an enormous deposit (₩100M–₩300M+) upfront but no monthly rent for two years. This is attractive for wealthy expats or families, but rare for short-term residents.
Decision Point: Singles and students usually choose Wolse, while long-term families may consider Jeonse.

👉 Example: A Mapo (마포) officetel may cost ₩10M deposit + ₩1.1M rent per month.

Step 2. Select Your Location: Seoul vs. Regional Cities

The second biggest factor is location. Seoul (서울) is significantly more expensive than other regions.

Seoul (서울): Expect ₩700,000–₩2.5M rent. Everyday costs (cafés, gyms, dining) are also higher.
Busan (부산), Daegu (대구), Gwangju (광주): 20–30% cheaper housing; daily life is less costly.
Jeju Island (제주도): Housing is affordable, but food and transport may be slightly higher due to logistics.
Decision Point: If you want vibrant city life and international convenience, Seoul is ideal but expensive. For budget living, regional hubs are more practical.

👉 Example: A ₩1.2M Seoul officetel might only cost ₩850,000 in Busan.

Step 3. Calculate Food and Grocery Needs

Food expenses depend on whether you eat like a local or prefer Western dining.

Eating Korean style: Gimbap, jjigae (stew), and cafeteria meals keep costs at ₩300,000–₩400,000 monthly.
Mixed lifestyle: Korean BBQ, mid-range restaurants, and groceries add up to ₩500,000–₩700,000.
Western-heavy diet: Imported goods and international restaurants raise expenses to ₩800,000–₩1.2M.
Decision Point: Students and retirees often eat Korean-style; professionals and families mix both.

👉 Example: An expat eating Western brunch twice a week adds an extra ₩100,000 monthly.

Step 4. Factor in Transportation

Korea has one of the most efficient public transit systems in the world, especially in Seoul (서울).

Public Transit: A T-money (티머니) card costs about ₩70,000 per month for regular subway/bus users.
Taxis: Affordable for occasional trips, but daily use can add ₩200,000+ monthly.
Car Ownership: Gasoline (₩1,750/L), insurance, and parking make owning a car in Seoul expensive—often ₩400,000+ per month.
Decision Point: Most foreigners rely on public transport; cars are practical only for families or residents outside major cities.

👉 Example: A professional commuting daily in Seoul spends ₩70,000 on transit, but occasional taxis push this to ₩120,000.

Step 5. Include Utilities, Internet, and Daily Lifestyle Costs

Utilities vary by season due to heating and air-conditioning.

Utilities (gas, electricity, water): ₩150,000–₩250,000 per month.
Internet + Mobile Plan: ₩70,000–₩100,000.
Daily Costs: Coffee (₩5,000), movie tickets (₩15,000), gym memberships (₩70,000).
Decision Point: Lifestyle expenses scale quickly if you prefer Western-standard services (expat salons, premium gyms).

👉 Example: A single person may spend ₩250,000 on utilities + ₩300,000 on leisure, totaling ₩550,000.

Step 6. Prepare for Hidden and Irregular Costs

Foreigners often underestimate “extra” costs:

Visa fees, ARC renewal, or immigration paperwork (~₩60,000–₩100,000 annually).
Healthcare: Korea’s National Health Insurance (국민건강보험) lowers costs, but expats may still buy private plans.
Unexpected repairs, travel, or emergencies.

👉 Best practice: Set aside 15–20% of your monthly budget for these surprises.

Step 7. Summarize Your Monthly Budget

After working through each step, you can calculate your realistic monthly living expenses.

Student in Seoul: ₩1.2M–₩1.5M
Digital Nomad in Seoul: ₩2M–₩2.8M
Professional in Seoul: ₩2.5M–₩3.5M
Family in Seoul: ₩5M–₩8M
Retirees in Jeju: ₩1.8M–₩2.5M

✅ Final Insight: Korea offers flexibility. With careful choices in housing, food, and transport, foreigners can live modestly—or lavishly. The step-by-step approach ensures no hidden expenses derail your expectations.

Regional Differences (Seoul vs Other Cities in 2025)

When it comes to the cost of living in Korea (대한민국), the biggest variation comes from where you live. Seoul (서울) is the economic, cultural, and political center of Korea, but it is also the most expensive. Other regions—Busan (부산), Daegu (대구), Daejeon (대전), Gwangju (광주), and Jeju Island (제주도)—offer different lifestyles and affordability. Below is a full breakdown.

1. Seoul (서울): The Capital Premium

Seoul offers the most opportunities but at a price.

Housing: Rent is the highest in Korea, with one-room officetels ranging ₩700,000–₩1.5M. In prime districts like Gangnam (강남) and Itaewon (이태원), luxury housing exceeds ₩3M.
Food: Seoul has the widest range of international restaurants. A Western meal costs ₩30,000–₩50,000, significantly higher than local Korean dining.
Transport: Public transport is cheap, but high taxi demand and parking fees (₩150,000 monthly) raise costs.
Lifestyle: Seoul offers abundant entertainment—cafés, bars, concerts—but lifestyle costs (gym, beauty salons, international groceries) run higher than elsewhere.

👉 Conclusion: Seoul suits professionals, digital nomads, and families seeking international convenience—but expect a premium cost of living.

2. Busan (부산): The Coastal Balance

Busan is Korea’s second-largest city, with beaches, ports, and a thriving expat community.

Housing: 20–30% cheaper than Seoul. A one-room apartment averages ₩600,000–₩900,000.
Food: Famous for fresh seafood. Dining out is cheaper, with fish markets and local eateries abundant.
Transport: Subway and buses are efficient; taxis slightly cheaper than Seoul.
Lifestyle: More relaxed, with beach culture and slightly lower entertainment prices.

👉 Conclusion: Busan balances affordability and urban living, making it popular among long-term expats.

3. Daegu (대구) and Daejeon (대전): Affordable Alternatives

Mid-sized cities like Daegu and Daejeon are family-friendly and more budget-friendly.

Housing: One-room apartments: ₩500,000–₩800,000. Family apartments: ₩1.2M–₩1.8M (about 30% less than Seoul).
Food: Cheaper than Seoul, though fewer international restaurants.
Transport: Public transit is reliable but smaller in scale than Seoul.
Lifestyle: Fewer English-friendly services, but strong community life and lower costs in daily living.

👉 Conclusion: Ideal for students, retirees, or families prioritizing affordability over international convenience.

4. Gwangju (광주): Cultural but Quiet

Gwangju is known for arts, culture, and history.

Housing: Among the most affordable, with one-room apartments around ₩500,000–₩700,000.
Food & Lifestyle: Local restaurants are cheap, but Western dining is limited.
Community: Smaller expat community compared to Seoul or Busan.

👉 Conclusion: A good option for budget-conscious residents who value culture over modern convenience.

5. Jeju Island (제주도): Nature and Tourism

Jeju Island is attractive to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking nature.

Housing: Rural homes and apartments range from ₩500,000–₩900,000, but demand is rising due to tourism.
Food: Imported groceries can be 10–20% more expensive due to logistics.
Transport: Public transit is limited; car ownership is almost essential, adding costs for fuel and parking.
Lifestyle: Relaxed, with nature-focused activities but fewer urban conveniences.

👉 Conclusion: Ideal for retirees or digital nomads seeking peace and natural beauty—but less suitable for those needing frequent international services.

Regional Comparison Table (2025 Average Monthly Costs)

City/Region	Single Person	Family of Four	Notes
Seoul (서울)	₩2.2M–₩3M	₩5M–₩8M	Highest costs, best international services
Busan (부산)	₩1.8M–₩2.5M	₩3.5M–₩5M	Coastal, cheaper housing, seafood culture
Daegu (대구)	₩1.5M–₩2.2M	₩3M–₩4.5M	Affordable, smaller expat network
Daejeon (대전)	₩1.6M–₂.3M	₩3M–₩4.5M	Tech/education hub, moderate prices
Gwangju (광주)	₩1.5M–₂M	₩3M–₩4M	Cultural city, fewer English-friendly options
Jeju Island (제주도)	₩1.6M–₂.4M	₩3.5M–₩5M	Nature lifestyle, higher logistics costs

✅ Final Insight: Korea’s cost of living varies not only by income level but also by region. Seoul is best for those who value global connectivity despite higher prices, while Busan and mid-sized cities offer affordability with good quality of life. Jeju attracts those who trade urban conveniences for natural beauty.

Real-Life Case Examples (How Different Foreigners Manage Costs in Korea 2025)

The following is a fictionalized collection of scenarios created for educational purposes. They do not describe any real person, event, or case. Each case illustrates how diverse lifestyles, visa types, and city choices affect monthly budgets in Korea (대한민국).