FOHO Blog – Global Housing & Living Guide for Foreigners

How much does it really cost to live in Seoul in 2025? : The Real Cost of Living in Seoul

Moving to Seoul in 2025? Here’s what students and expats actually spend each month.

Evan Han

CEO & Founder of FOHO, a housing platform for foreigners in Korea. Experienced in rental market trends, proptech innovation, and foreign tenant support.

Jul 19, 2025

SeoulRent PriceInternational StudentsKorea HousingTIPRegion

Table of contents

01How much does it really cost to live in Seoul in 2025? : The Real Cost of Living in Seoul
•Why This Guide Matters
•Final Budget Tip
•Saving on Living Costs Starts with Smarter Housing Decisions
•Sources

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

Chart: Seoul Monthly Living Cost Breakdown (2025)

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.

https://www.upgrad.com/study-abroad/articles/cost-of-living-in-south-korea/

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)

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