Cost of living in Seoul (South Korea) is 49% cheaper than in New York City (United States)
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This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 1,043 prices entered by 241 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | - 29% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Seoul (South Korea) is 29% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Seoul | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | ₩9,831 ($8) | $23 | - 67% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | ₩7,898 ($6) | $11 | - 43% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | ₩6,830 ($5.23) | $9 | - 39% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | ₩2,887 ($2.21) | $1.28 | + 73% | |
| 12 eggs, large | ₩6,431 ($4.92) | $5.45 | - 10% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | ₩8,120 ($6) | $6 | - 0% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | ₩7,646 ($5.85) | $8 | - 30% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | ₩8,423 ($6) | $5.10 | + 26% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | ₩4,872 ($3.73) | $3.58 | + 4% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | ₩2,927 ($2.24) | $3.32 | - 32% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | ₩20,558 ($16) | $18 | - 13% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | ₩3,389 ($2.59) | $2.89 | - 10% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ₩4,160 ($3.18) | $4.08 | - 22% | |
| Housing | - 62% | |||
| Housing in Seoul (South Korea) is 62% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Seoul | New York City | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | ₩3,748,000 ($2,868) | $6,663 | - 57% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | ₩2,253,880 ($1,725) | $4,015 | - 57% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | ₩246,721 ($189) | $254 | - 26% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | ₩1,163,600 ($890) | $3,690 | - 76% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | ₩787,452 ($603) | $2,289 | - 74% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | ₩114,665 ($88) | $123 | - 29% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | ₩31,294 ($24) | $67 | - 64% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | ₩378,438 ($290) | $324 | - 11% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | ₩100,183 ($77) | $137 | - 44% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | ₩11,893 ($9) | $13 | - 31% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | ₩14,266 ($11) | $28 | - 61% | |
| Clothes | - 19% | |||
| Clothes in Seoul (South Korea) is 19% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Seoul | New York City | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | ₩79,338 ($61) | $60 | + 2% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | ₩58,578 ($45) | $57 | - 21% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | ₩89,660 ($69) | $96 | - 29% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | ₩144,451 ($111) | $147 | - 25% | |
| Transportation | - 48% | |||
| Transportation in Seoul (South Korea) is 48% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Seoul | New York City | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | ₩41,899,500 ($32,061) | $24,700 | + 30% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | ₩1,882 ($1.44) | $1.31 | + 10% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | ₩56,561 ($43) | $129 | - 66% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | ₩13,948 ($11) | $24 | - 55% | |
| Personal Care | - 28% | |||
| Personal Care in Seoul (South Korea) is 28% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Seoul | New York City | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | ₩5,748 ($4.40) | $7 | - 33% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | ₩6,336 ($4.85) | $18 | - 74% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | ₩46,951 ($36) | $105 | - 66% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | ₩15,753 ($12) | $9 | + 41% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | ₩10,736 ($8) | $4.53 | + 81% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | ₩8,307 ($6) | $7 | - 11% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | ₩3,094 ($2.37) | $4.99 | - 53% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | ₩4,101 ($3.14) | $2.33 | + 35% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | ₩18,393 ($14) | $31 | - 54% | |
| Entertainment | - 44% | |||
| Entertainment in Seoul (South Korea) is 44% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Seoul | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | ₩30,591 ($23) | $70 | - 66% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | ₩28,080 ($21) | $36 | - 40% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | ₩165,044 ($126) | $350 | - 64% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | ₩68,068 ($52) | $96 | - 46% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | ₩13,223 ($10) | $18 | - 43% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | ₩5,405 ($4.14) | $5.34 | - 22% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | ₩4,568 ($3.50) | $8 | - 55% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | ₩631,358 ($483) | $509 | - 5% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | ₩207 ($0.16) | $0.10 | + 58% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | ₩72,194 ($55) | $109 | - 49% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | ₩4,500 ($3.44) | $14 | - 76% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 49% | ||
These prices were last updated on March 30, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.00077
USD
/
KRW
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 1,043 prices entered by 241 different people.
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