How Much Does It Cost to Live in Seoul? (2025 Guide)

 

(서울 광화문에서 본 북악산, 경복궁과 청와대가 산 아래에 있어요
View of Bugaksan from Gwanghwamun, with Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Blue House nestled at the foot of the mountain.)

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Seoul? (2025 Guide)
 A Practical Cost-of-Living Guide for Students, Job Seekers, and Expats

Seoul is one of the most vibrant and safest cities in the world. But many foreigners preparing to move here often ask:

“How much does it really cost to live in Seoul?”

This blog post outlines the average monthly living expenses in Seoul for one person, based on 2025 estimates.
If you're planning to study, work, or stay long-term in Korea, this guide is for you.

1. Housing: $300–$900/month (KRW 400,000–1,200,000)

• Goshiwon: $300–$400 — Shared kitchen/bathroom, compact living

• Studio (One-room): $500–$700 — Independent unit

• Officetel: $700–$900 — Modern amenities, elevator, security

(원룸 내부 모습, 아담한 크기로 1인 또는 커플에게 알맞는 공간입니다

Interior of a studio apartment—compact but ideal for a single person or a couple.)

 2. Food: $250–$400/month (KRW 330,000–530,000)

• Cooking at home: $200–$250

• Mixed dining & delivery: $300–$400
  Meal prices: Kimbap ($5–$8), 

• Convenience meal ($4–$6), Delivery ($15–$25)
  (일반적인 편의점, 동네 어디에나 이런 편의점이 있고 이곳에서 생필품과 간단한 식사 거리를 살 수 있어요 A typical convenience store—found in every neighborhood, offering daily essentials and quick meals.  Snacks, instant meals, and drinks are available 24/7 — an affordable and convenient option for quick meals and groceries.)

•  3. Transportation: $50–$80/month (KRW 66,000–106,000)

• Subway/bus fare: ~$1.10 per ride

• T-money card or transit pass

• Student discounts available

  
  (지하철 내부, 서울은 지하철이 촘촘하게 있어서 편리하게 이동 할 수 있죠
  Inside a Seoul subway train. The city’s extensive subway system makes transportation easy and efficient.)

(신용카드 또는 교통카드를 이용해서 버스와 지하철을 이용 할 수 있습니다

You can use a credit card or a transit card to ride buses and subways.)

 4. Mobile & Internet: $30–$60/month (KRW 40,000–80,000)

• Budget SIM: ~$30

• Major carriers: $50–$60

• Optional Wi-Fi rental: $10–$15

 5. Other Expenses: $100–$200/month (KRW 130,000–260,000)

• Gym: $30–$60/month

• Cafe visits: $4–$6 per cup × weekly

• Entertainment: $20–$50

• Daily necessities: $30–$50
  
  


(동네 어디에나 있는 스타벅스, 서울에는 다른 카페도 많이 있어요 A Starbucks in the neighborhood—Seoul is filled with both global chains and unique local cafés.)

(빨래방, 저렴하게 빨래를 할 수 있어서 세탁기 없는 분들에게 편하죠 A coin laundry—an affordable option for those without a washing machine at home.)

(A modern self-service laundromat in Seoul. These facilities are open 24 hours and are commonly used by students and residents living in small studio apartments without in-unit washing machines.)

Total Monthly Cost by Lifestyle

Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses by lifestyle type:

Lifestyle	Monthly Cost (USD / KRW)
Budget Lifestyle	$750–$900 (KRW 990,000–1,200,000)
Average Lifestyle	$1,100–$1,300 (KRW 1,450,000–1,700,000)
Comfortable Life	$1,400–$1,700 (KRW 1,850,000–2,250,000)

✅ Final Thoughts

Living costs in Seoul can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle.
But with smart planning, Seoul is a fantastic place to live — affordable, safe, and full of life.

Stay tuned for more practical guides from InsideKorea, including:

• “10 Money-Saving Tips for Living in Seoul”

• “Grocery Shopping in Korea: A Foreigner’s Guide”

아래 영상으로 서울의 렌트비용을 알아 보세요
Watch the video below to learn more about rent prices in Seoul.