South Korea
Cost of Living in Seoul
Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates
COL+Rent: 49.5Rent: 23.8Groceries: 94.6Restaurant: 46.5
Monthly Budget Estimates
Minimal
$1,402/mo
Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit
Typical
$1,991/mo
City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out
Comfortable
$2,440/mo
Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment
Monthly Costs Breakdown
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Center) | $1,014 |
| Rent (1BR Outside Center) | $733 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $586 |
| Restaurant Meal | $12 |
| Transit Pass (monthly) | $55 |
| Utilities (monthly) | $156 |
Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Can You Afford Seoul?
Compare Seoul with other cities at specific budget levels:
Other Cities in South Korea
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Seoul?
A minimal monthly budget in Seoul is approximately $1,402, a typical budget is $1,991, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $2,440 per month.
How much is rent in Seoul?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Seoul city center costs approximately $1,014/month. Outside the center, expect around $733/month.
Is Seoul expensive compared to New York?
Seoul's COL+Rent Index is 49.5 compared to New York's 100, meaning Seoul is about 51% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Seoul?
Monthly groceries in Seoul cost approximately $586. The city's Groceries Index is 94.6 (NYC = 100).