Cost of living in South Korea compared to United States
Currency:
| Food | - 33% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in South Korea is 33% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| South Korea | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | ₩9,958 ($7) | $22 | - 66% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | ₩7,906 ($5.78) | $12 | - 52% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | ₩6,314 ($4.62) | $5.92 | - 22% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | ₩2,847 ($2.08) | $1.09 | + 90% | |
| 12 eggs, large | ₩6,150 ($4.50) | $5.64 | - 20% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | ₩5,177 ($3.79) | $4.83 | - 22% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | ₩12,273 ($9) | $8 | + 18% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | ₩9,493 ($7) | $4.23 | + 64% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | ₩5,179 ($3.79) | $2.30 | + 65% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | ₩2,372 ($1.73) | $3.58 | - 51% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | ₩18,664 ($14) | $18 | - 24% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | ₩2,564 ($1.88) | $2.95 | - 36% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ₩2,703 ($1.98) | $3.01 | - 34% | |
| Housing | - 53% | |||
| Housing in South Korea is 53% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| South Korea | United States | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | ₩2,864,940 ($2,096) | $3,082 | - 32% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | ₩1,649,060 ($1,206) | $2,360 | - 49% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | ₩255,507 ($187) | $239 | - 22% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | ₩1,187,840 ($869) | $2,224 | - 61% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | ₩659,471 ($482) | $1,630 | - 70% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | ₩95,864 ($70) | $174 | - 60% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | ₩18,027 ($13) | $61 | - 79% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | ₩316,746 ($232) | $251 | - 8% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | ₩104,002 ($76) | $152 | - 50% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | ₩8,343 ($6) | $16 | - 61% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | ₩15,282 ($11) | $34 | - 67% | |
| Clothes | - 23% | |||
| Clothes in South Korea is 23% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| South Korea | United States | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | ₩74,674 ($55) | $58 | - 6% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | ₩53,204 ($39) | $50 | - 21% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | ₩84,182 ($62) | $105 | - 42% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | ₩113,128 ($83) | $142 | - 42% | |
| Transportation | - 36% | |||
| Transportation in South Korea is 36% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| South Korea | United States | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | ₩31,956,000 ($23,374) | $31,029 | - 25% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | ₩1,605 ($1.17) | $0.93 | + 26% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | ₩60,206 ($44) | $86 | - 49% | |
| Personal Care | - 36% | |||
| Personal Care in South Korea is 36% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| South Korea | United States | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | ₩4,412 ($3.23) | $10 | - 66% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | ₩6,301 ($4.61) | $24 | - 81% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | ₩200,000 ($146) | $167 | - 12% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | ₩13,562 ($10) | $10 | + 2% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | ₩3,982 ($2.91) | $5.32 | - 45% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | ₩5,810 ($4.25) | $7 | - 41% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | ₩5,866 ($4.29) | $5.08 | - 16% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | ₩1,962 ($1.44) | $2.38 | - 40% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | ₩30,786 ($23) | $31 | - 28% | |
| Entertainment | + 68% | |||
| Entertainment in South Korea is 68% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| South Korea | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | ₩26,338 ($19) | $61 | - 68% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | ₩26,588 ($19) | $31 | - 37% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | ₩119,071 ($87) | $237 | - 63% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | ₩69,831 ($51) | $104 | - 51% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | ₩9,901 ($7) | $15 | - 52% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | ₩5,463 ($4.00) | $6 | - 34% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | ₩4,770 ($3.49) | $8 | - 54% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | ₩572,548 ($419) | $464 | - 10% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | ₩3,515 ($2.57) | $0.52 | + 397% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | ₩59,371 ($43) | $71 | - 39% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | ₩4,514 ($3.30) | $11 | - 71% | |
| TOTAL | - 23% | |||
These prices were last updated on June 17, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.00073
USD
/
KRW
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 20,878 prices entered by 1,929 different people.
Cost of living in South Korea is 23% cheaper than in United States
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