Cost of living in North Korea compared to India
Currency:
Food | + 144% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in North Korea is 144% more expensive than in India | ||||
North Korea | India | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | 5,400 ₩ (₨495) | ₨375 | + 32% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | 4,500 ₩ (₨413) | ₨318 | + 30% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 2,700 ₩ (₨248) | ₨166 | + 49% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | 1,350 ₩ (₨124) | ₨58 | + 114% | |
12 eggs, large | 9,000 ₩ (₨826) | ₨90 | + 814% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | 2,700 ₩ (₨248) | ₨39 | + 532% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | 3,600 ₩ (₨330) | ₨238 | + 39% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | 2,700 ₩ (₨248) | ₨154 | + 60% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | 4,394 ₩ (₨403) | ₨31 | + 1207% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | 3,600 ₩ (₨330) | ₨170 | + 94% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 11,700 ₩ (₨1,073) | ₨771 | + 39% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | 2,700 ₩ (₨248) | ₨89 | + 179% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 1,800 ₩ (₨165) | ₨38 | + 339% | |
Housing | + 18% | |||
Housing in North Korea is 18% more expensive than in India | ||||
North Korea | India | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | - | ₨40,749 | - | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | - | ₨24,407 | - | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | - | ₨5,174 | - | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 1,000,000 ₩ (₨91,740) | ₨24,775 | + 270% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | - | ₨15,144 | - | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | - | ₨5,976 | - | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | - | ₨665 | - | |
40” flat screen tv | - | ₨30,250 | - | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | - | ₨11,999 | - | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | - | ₨535 | - | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | - | ₨428 | - | |
Clothes | ||||
Clothes in North Korea is about the same as in India | ||||
North Korea | India | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | - | ₨2,524 | - | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | - | ₨2,729 | - | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | - | ₨4,298 | - | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | - | ₨3,255 | - | |
Transportation | - 2% | |||
Transportation in North Korea is about the same as in India | ||||
North Korea | India | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | - | ₨1,331,740 | - | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | 1,000 ₩ (₨92) | ₨105 | - 13% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | - | ₨1,081 | - | |
Personal Care | ||||
Personal Care in North Korea is about the same as in India | ||||
North Korea | India | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | - | ₨141 | - | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | - | ₨276 | - | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | - | ₨905 | - | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | - | ₨396 | - | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | - | ₨223 | - | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | - | ₨281 | - | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | - | ₨167 | - | |
Tube of toothpaste | - | ₨98 | - | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | - | ₨306 | - | |
Entertainment | ||||
Entertainment in North Korea is about the same as in India | ||||
North Korea | India | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | - | ₨1,449 | - | |
2 tickets to the movies | - | ₨600 | - | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | - | ₨1,479 | - | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | - | ₨1,867 | - | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | - | ₨756 | - | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | - | ₨220 | - | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | - | ₨182 | - | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | - | ₨51,617 | - | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | - | ₨1.39 | - | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | - | ₨1,612 | - | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | - | ₨271 | - | |
TOTAL | + 34% |

These prices were last updated on May 28, 2023.
Exchange rate:
0.09174
INR
/
KPW
*
Cost of living in North Korea is 34% more expensive than in India
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