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East Asia69% Lower than the US

Seoul, South Korea

Estimated monthly cost

$1,320

Average net salary

$2,935

Monthly cost breakdown

1-bed apartment (city center)$880
1-bed apartment (outside center)$601
Utilities (monthly)$152
Internet$19
Mobile plan$31
Monthly transit pass$43
Meal, inexpensive restaurant$9
Meal for two, mid-range$60
Cappuccino$4
Domestic beer (0.5L)$3

Source: Numbeo, in USD. A single-person estimate; couples and families will vary. Updated regularly.

Seoul vs. the average US city

Seoul$1,320
US average$4,200

You'd keep about $2,880/month in your pocket — roughly 69% lower than the typical US cost of living.

How we estimate $1,320/mo

A single-person monthly budget, built from real Numbeo prices.

Rent

1-bed, city centre$880
1-bed, outside centre$601
Rent used (average of the two)$740

Living costs

Utilities$152
Internet$19
Mobile plan$31
Public transit pass$43
Groceries(monthly basket for one)$175
Eating out(~12 meals @ $9)$104
Subtotal$524
+10% misc / entertainment$52
Estimated total$1,320/mo

Excludes health insurance, flights, visas and one-time setup — see the guide and tools below for those.

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