Cost of living in South Korea compared to Italy
Currency:
| Food | + 1% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in South Korea is about the same as in Italy | ||||
| South Korea | Italy | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | ₩11,240 (€7) | €16 | - 55% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | ₩8,193 (€5.44) | €11 | - 48% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | ₩6,251 (€4.15) | €5.34 | - 22% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | ₩2,963 (€1.97) | €1.45 | + 35% | |
| 12 eggs, large | ₩4,279 (€2.84) | €3.86 | - 26% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | ₩7,882 (€5.23) | €3.17 | + 65% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | ₩8,410 (€5.58) | €7 | - 24% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | ₩9,989 (€7) | €2.44 | + 172% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | ₩4,206 (€2.79) | €1.74 | + 61% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | ₩3,564 (€2.37) | €1.46 | + 62% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | ₩29,378 (€20) | €8 | + 152% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | ₩2,497 (€1.66) | €2.64 | - 37% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ₩4,269 (€2.83) | €1.59 | + 78% | |
| Housing | + 20% | |||
| Housing in South Korea is 20% more expensive than in Italy | ||||
| South Korea | Italy | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | ₩3,565,030 (€2,367) | €1,549 | + 53% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | ₩1,911,090 (€1,269) | €1,035 | + 23% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | - | €196 | - | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | ₩1,369,270 (€909) | €1,132 | - 20% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | ₩776,874 (€516) | €816 | - 37% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | ₩542,787 (€360) | €144 | + 151% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | ₩29,901 (€20) | €26 | - 25% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | ₩800,000 (€531) | €304 | + 75% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | ₩150,000 (€100) | €116 | - 14% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | ₩14,795 (€10) | €7 | + 45% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | ₩30,000 (€20) | €10 | + 96% | |
| Clothes | - 5% | |||
| Clothes in South Korea is 5% cheaper than in Italy | ||||
| South Korea | Italy | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | ₩85,301 (€57) | €82 | - 31% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | ₩66,207 (€44) | €38 | + 16% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | ₩119,110 (€79) | €97 | - 19% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | ₩172,946 (€115) | €112 | + 3% | |
| Transportation | - 8% | |||
| Transportation in South Korea is 8% cheaper than in Italy | ||||
| South Korea | Italy | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | ₩35,630,100 (€23,655) | €28,546 | - 17% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | ₩1,683 (€1.12) | €1.81 | - 38% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | ₩62,057 (€41) | €38 | + 9% | |
| Personal Care | + 13% | |||
| Personal Care in South Korea is 13% more expensive than in Italy | ||||
| South Korea | Italy | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | ₩9,000 (€5.98) | €9 | - 37% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | ₩10,000 (€7) | €12 | - 45% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | ₩200,000 (€133) | €106 | + 26% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | ₩17,379 (€12) | €7 | + 63% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | ₩11,250 (€7) | €3.82 | + 95% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | ₩10,000 (€7) | €3.34 | + 99% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | ₩2,000 (€1.33) | €2.80 | - 53% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | ₩3,239 (€2.15) | €2.21 | - 3% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | ₩16,918 (€11) | €21 | - 46% | |
| Entertainment | - 40% | |||
| Entertainment in South Korea is 40% cheaper than in Italy | ||||
| South Korea | Italy | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | ₩51,145 (€34) | €39 | - 13% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | ₩30,000 (€20) | €18 | + 8% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | ₩40,000 (€27) | €91 | - 71% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | ₩68,634 (€46) | €80 | - 43% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | ₩15,000 (€10) | €10 | + 5% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | ₩5,270 (€3.50) | €2.04 | + 72% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | ₩4,968 (€3.30) | €5.29 | - 38% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | ₩1,089,690 (€723) | €1,398 | - 48% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | ₩240 (€0.16) | €0.46 | - 65% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | ₩74,234 (€49) | €50 | - 2% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | ₩4,500 (€2.99) | €6 | - 52% | |
| TOTAL | - 5% | |||
These prices were last updated on January 10, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.00066
EUR
/
KRW
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 1,637 prices entered by 275 different people.
Cost of living in South Korea is 5% cheaper than in Italy
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