Cost of living in United States compared to South Korea
Currency:
Food | + 18% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in United States is 18% more expensive than in South Korea | ||||
United States | South Korea | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | $20 (₩26,162) | ₩12,081 | + 117% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | $11 (₩14,422) | ₩7,849 | + 84% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | $5.71 (₩7,599) | ₩5,923 | + 28% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | $1.07 (₩1,421) | ₩2,942 | - 52% | |
12 eggs, large | $4.55 (₩6,055) | ₩5,102 | + 19% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | $4.57 (₩6,081) | ₩7,780 | - 22% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | $7 (₩9,679) | ₩8,958 | + 8% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | $4.42 (₩5,883) | ₩6,825 | - 14% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | $2.22 (₩2,959) | ₩4,178 | - 29% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | $3.00 (₩3,990) | ₩3,056 | + 31% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | $16 (₩21,082) | ₩21,973 | - 4% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | $2.94 (₩3,907) | ₩3,494 | + 12% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | $2.81 (₩3,733) | ₩4,603 | - 19% | |
Housing | + 128% | |||
Housing in United States is 128% more expensive than in South Korea | ||||
United States | South Korea | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | $3,015 (₩4,011,534) | ₩1,500,120 | + 167% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | $2,323 (₩3,090,127) | ₩1,934,250 | + 60% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | $223 (₩296,256) | ₩240,148 | + 23% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | $2,055 (₩2,733,915) | ₩1,264,360 | + 116% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | $1,566 (₩2,083,459) | ₩725,161 | + 187% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | $149 (₩197,585) | ₩80,000 | + 147% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | $64 (₩85,487) | ₩28,380 | + 201% | |
40” flat screen tv | $293 (₩389,710) | ₩433,362 | - 10% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | $147 (₩194,968) | ₩100,000 | + 95% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | $14 (₩18,970) | ₩16,029 | + 18% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | $30 (₩39,668) | ₩14,433 | + 175% | |
Clothes | + 6% | |||
Clothes in United States is 6% more expensive than in South Korea | ||||
United States | South Korea | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | $57 (₩76,196) | ₩85,819 | - 11% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | $53 (₩69,965) | ₩66,260 | + 6% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | $97 (₩129,422) | ₩96,399 | + 34% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | $131 (₩174,538) | ₩148,450 | + 18% | |
Transportation | + 33% | |||
Transportation in United States is 33% more expensive than in South Korea | ||||
United States | South Korea | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | $28,441 (₩37,836,200) | ₩39,273,000 | - 4% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | $0.98 (₩1,310) | ₩1,635 | - 20% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | $74 (₩98,795) | ₩58,441 | + 69% | |
Personal Care | + 31% | |||
Personal Care in United States is 31% more expensive than in South Korea | ||||
United States | South Korea | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | $10 (₩12,731) | ₩7,985 | + 59% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | $21 (₩28,189) | ₩12,000 | + 135% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | $142 (₩189,466) | ₩39,691 | + 377% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | $9 (₩12,389) | ₩20,000 | - 38% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | $4.94 (₩6,568) | ₩15,000 | - 56% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | $7 (₩8,796) | ₩9,644 | - 9% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | $4.94 (₩6,570) | ₩3,593 | + 83% | |
Tube of toothpaste | $2.35 (₩3,120) | ₩6,320 | - 51% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | $30 (₩39,262) | ₩14,338 | + 174% | |
Entertainment | + 36% | |||
Entertainment in United States is 36% more expensive than in South Korea | ||||
United States | South Korea | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | $57 (₩76,254) | ₩37,219 | + 105% | |
2 tickets to the movies | $30 (₩39,503) | ₩27,364 | + 44% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | $204 (₩272,028) | ₩249,761 | + 9% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | $99 (₩131,848) | ₩127,461 | + 3% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | $15 (₩19,416) | ₩15,654 | + 24% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | $5.57 (₩7,414) | ₩5,510 | + 35% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | $7 (₩9,658) | ₩6,631 | + 46% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | $514 (₩684,256) | ₩924,016 | - 26% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | $0.37 (₩491) | ₩206 | + 138% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | $67 (₩88,735) | ₩98,667 | - 10% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | $10 (₩13,612) | ₩4,699 | + 190% | |
TOTAL | + 50% |
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 18,666 prices entered by 2,449 different people.
These prices were last updated on March 19, 2024.
Exchange rate:
1330.340
KRW
/
USD
Cost of living in United States is 50% more expensive than in South Korea
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