- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Seoul Guide (PDF)
Seoul frequently ranks as one of the world's most expensive cities. In the 2022 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Seoul was ranked as 14th most expensive out of 227 cities worldwide, outdoing cities such as London and Vienna to earn this spot.
All the same, salaries are competitive in Seoul, and employment contracts tend to cover accommodation and education. For expats who can find work here, this should go far in making the cost of living in Seoul more affordable. There are other ways to keep costs down, like using public transport, eating local food bought at smaller stores and markets, and shopping local products.
Cost of accommodation in Seoul
Accommodation in Seoul is costly, but expats' employers generally organise and pay for their accommodation. Expats who decide to arrange their own accommodation should be aware of the tradition of 'key money', a massive deposit that brings rent down a bit but leads to high upfront costs. Basic utilities such as gas, electricity and uncapped WiFi tend to be affordable.
Cost of transport in Seoul
As long as expats don't plan to travel around the countryside regularly, they typically find owning a car in Seoul unnecessary and inconvenient. Parking is hard to find, and there are frequent traffic jams in the capital.
Public transport in Seoul is world-class: extensive, clean, efficient, coordinated and relatively affordable. Using the rechargeable T-money card instead of buying individual tickets, passengers can take advantage of lower rates on the metro or buses.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Seoul
Eating out is typically inexpensive for expats who stick to Korean cuisine, and due to the discounts for buying in bulk, single expats may find it more affordable than buying and cooking food for one. Eating at foreign restaurants will come with a higher price tag.
Cost of groceries in Seoul
Korean food and brands are generally affordable, especially when buying in bulk. Savvy expats will shop at markets and smaller stores, avoiding the mark-up that is often found at supermarkets. Dairy and fresh produce may go for more than expats expect, and those who don't buy in bulk will find the cost of groceries go up sharply. Furthermore, imported brands from Europe or the US are costly.
Cost of education in Seoul
Public education in South Korea is free until the last three grades of high school. That said, expats rarely enrol their children in public schools, citing the highly pressured, results-oriented learning environment as well as Korean being the language of instruction – although schools in Seoul are well known for their academic excellence.
International school fees in Seoul may very well be expat parents' largest expense after accommodation. Given the extensive expat population of diplomats and military personnel, there is a range of international schools with on offer.
Cost of living in Seoul chart
Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices in Seoul for November 2022.
Accommodation (rent per month) |
|
One-bedroom apartment in city centre |
KRW 1,100,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre |
KRW 3,500,000 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre |
KRW 770,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre |
KRW 2,200,000 |
Shopping |
|
Eggs (dozen) |
KRW 6,800 |
Milk (1 litre) |
KRW 2,700 |
Rice (1kg) |
KRW 4,900 |
Loaf of white bread |
KRW 3,700 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
KRW 12,200 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
KRW 4,500 |
Eating out |
|
Big Mac Meal |
KRW 6,500 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
KRW 1,900 |
Cappuccino |
KRW 5,100 |
Local beer (500ml) |
KRW 2,700 |
Three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two |
KRW 70,000 |
Utilities |
|
Mobile-to-mobile call rate (per minute) |
KRW 143 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
KRW 27,400 |
Basic utilities (per month for a small apartment) |
KRW 115,000 |
Transport |
|
Taxi rate (per kilometre) |
KRW 1,000 |
Bus/train fare in the city centre |
KRW 1,300 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) |
KRW 1,780 |
Further reading
►Read more about lifestyle in Seoul
Expat Interviews
"The cost of living is very low. I can’t speak to housing prices, because our schools pay for our apartment. However, our utilities are much less expensive than in the States, and public transport is very affordable. If you stick to buying mostly Korean food, groceries can be cheap as well, but foreign foods are quite expensive." Find out more in the interview with American expats, Matt and Andrea.
Are you an expat living in Seoul?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Seoul. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
If you’re thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family.
Moving Companies
Moving Internationally?
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.