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How much does it really cost to live in Seoul in 2025? : The Real Cost of Living in Seoul
Thinking of moving to Seoul for school, work, or a change of pace? Whether you’re a university student on a tight budget or a young professional seeking a comfortable solo life, one question looms large: How much will it actually cost to live in Seoul?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect across housing, food, utilities, internet, and transportation — backed by up-to-date data and real-world accounts from expats and students already living in Korea.
Why This Guide Matters
Seoul is often described as a city where you can live well on very little — or burn through cash fast if you’re not careful. Unlike some glossy relocation blogs, this breakdown is built from:
- 2025 price data from Korean government sources and real estate portals
- Utility bills and expense logs from 40+ international residents
- My experience helping expats relocate over the last 3 years
Whether you’re arriving for a semester or settling in long-term, the goal is simple: avoid nasty surprises and budget with clarity.
1. Housing: Your Biggest Monthly Expense
Housing in Seoul varies wildly depending on where and how you live. From ₩200,000 micro-rooms to ₩1.2M officetels, the spread is significant.
Mode | Monthly (₩) | Notes |
Subway/Bus | 60,000–80,000 | T-money card or 65k unlimited pass |
Taxi (occasional) | 5,000–8,000 per ride | Cheap for short distances |
Public bikes | ~30,000/year | Ddareungi (shared bike system), very affordable |
Key money, known as bojeung-geum (보증금), is a large refundable deposit required for most leases. This is often the biggest shock for newcomers: you might need ₩5–10 million (USD $3,800–$7,700) upfront just to move in.
💡 Tip: Consider goshiwons, school dorms, or co-living spaces if you’re trying to avoid hefty deposits. If you’re open to commuting 30–40 minutes, satellite cities like Incheon or Suwon can reduce rent by 25–30%.
2. Food: Local Staples vs. Imported Cravings
Food is the next big variable. The good news? Korean staples are affordable. The bad news? Imported goods and Western restaurants will quickly stretch your budget.
Lifestyle | Monthly Cost (₩) | Notes |
Mostly cooking | 250,000–400,000 | Korean groceries are reasonably priced. |
Mix of cooking + dining out | 300,000–500,000 | Kimbap lunches + weekend BBQs. |
Dining out daily | 600,000+ | Adds up fast, especially with Western food. |
- A street-food lunch (e.g. kimbap, tteokbokki) runs around ₩6,000–₩10,000.
- A Korean BBQ dinner with friends: ₩15,000–₩20,000 per person.
- A Western-style brunch or pasta dish: ₩25,000–₩35,000.
💡 Save money by shopping at traditional markets like Namdaemun or Mangwon, where produce, tofu, and rice are cheaper than chain stores. And remember — no tipping in Korea means what you see on the menu is what you pay.
Food section updated based on feedback
If you’re eating meat, fruits, and veggies daily and mixing in regular dining out, expect ₩600k–₩700k/month to be more realistic.
3. Utilities & Internet: Expect Seasonal Spikes
Utilities are generally affordable but fluctuate with weather and housing type.
Expense | Monthly Cost (₩) | Notes |
Electricity, gas, water | 100,000–150,000 | Ondol heating in winter can push bills higher. |
Internet (100 Mbps+) | 30,000–40,000 | May be included in rent. |
Mobile (MVNO plans) | 20,000–30,000 | Same network as big carriers, half the price. |
- Winter heating (via gas-powered floor heat) can spike monthly bills past ₩200,000.
- Mobile plans from major carriers like KT or SKT cost ₩60k+, but MVNO options (알뜰폰) offer great service at half the price — perfect for expats with bank accounts in Korea.
- Hidden costs to watch: city-designated trash bags (you buy them), and the ₩2,500/month TV license fee if you own a TV.
4. Transportation: Affordable, Fast, Reliable
Seoul’s public transport system is world-class — and inexpensive.
Option | Monthly Cost (₩) | Details |
Subway/Bus | 60,000–80,000 | T-money card or ₩65,000 unlimited Climate Card |
Taxi (short trips) | 5,000–8,000 per ride | Reasonable, but adds up if used often |
Seoul Bike (Ddareungi) | \~30,000/year | Public bike system, incredibly cheap |
Owning a car? Don’t. Unless required for work, parking, insurance, and fuel (₩1,700/L) can exceed ₩500,000/month. Trains, buses, and bikes are more than enough for most residents.
5. Total Monthly Budget Estimates (2025)
Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (₩) | Description |
Student / Minimalist | 800,000–1.2M | Goshiwon + home-cooked meals + MVNO phone |
Mid-range expat | 1.5M–2.0M | One-room studio, mix of cooking/dining out |
Comfort-first | 2.5M+ | Larger apartment, frequent eating out, fewer compromises |
Your biggest controllable costs? Housing, imported food, and winter energy use. Planning ahead for these makes all the difference.
6. How Does Seoul Compare Globally?
City | Cost vs. Seoul | Notable Differences |
Tokyo | \~5% cheaper | Groceries cheaper, but rent & transport cost more |
Berlin | \~8% more expensive | Dining out costs more due to labor prices |
Bangkok | 30–40% cheaper | Everything from rent to food is lower-cost |
Seoul is cheaper than New York, Hong Kong, or London — but more expensive than Taipei or most Southeast Asian cities.
7. Final Thoughts: Smart Habits Make a Big Difference
Living in Seoul doesn’t have to break the bank. The key is understanding where your money goes and where you can cut costs without sacrificing quality of life.
Practical tips to stretch your budget:
- Use 당근마켓 (like Craigslist) for cheap furniture and appliances
- Visit jjimjilbangs in winter instead of running the heater all day
- Embrace Korean food and local markets
- Get an MVNO phone plan and free public Wi-Fi
- Take advantage of free museums and parks for entertainment
Final Budget Tip
Set aside an extra ₩200,000–₩500,000/month as a buffer for surprise expenses: visa renewals, health insurance, seasonal bills, or even just the occasional flight home.
With smart planning, it’s very possible to live a balanced, even enjoyable life in Seoul on a modest income. If you manage expectations and stay mindful of the big-ticket items, Korea’s capital offers an incredibly rich cultural experience — without requiring a six-figure salary.
Saving on Living Costs Starts with Smarter Housing Decisions
If you’re trying to keep your monthly spending in check, housing is where it starts. Choosing between jeonse, banjeonse, or wolse isn’t just about preference — it’s about how much cash you’ll need upfront, how much you’ll pay each month, and how protected you are legally.
That’s where FOHO can make a difference. We help you understand what each option really means, verify listings, handle paperwork, and communicate with landlords — so you avoid costly mistakes and stay focused on what brought you to Korea in the first place.
A smarter housing decision can mean thousands saved over the course of a year.
Sources
- Korea Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), 2025
- Seoul Metropolitan Government transit & energy data
- First-hand expat interviews and budget logs
- Numbeo, Expatistan, and local utility bill samples (Jan–Jun 2025)