Cost of living in Seoul

The cost of living in Seoul is high, particularly when compared to other cities in the country. Housing, dining out, and everyday expenses can be costly, making it one of the pricier destinations for expats, although still more affordable than Hong Kong or Singapore.

Salaries in Seoul are generally competitive, and many employment contracts include benefits such as accommodation and education allowances. If you can secure a well-paid work opportunity, these perks help make life in Seoul more affordable. Other ways to decrease costs include using public transport instead of driving, eating local cuisine from smaller shops and markets, and shopping for locally produced goods.

Cost of accommodation in Seoul

Accommodation in Seoul is costly, but employers typically organise and pay for your accommodation. 

Expats who need to find their own accommodation may encounter jeonse (key money). In this system, instead of paying rent, you pay a substantial deposit – sometimes up to 80 percent of the property’s value – from which the landlord earns interest. The deposit is returned at the end of the lease. 

The rental market is moving away from this system, though, and the majority of landlords now use a system more familiar to most expats: a monthly rental amount plus a deposit at the start of the lease. While deposits are still fairly pricey on an international scale, they're far smaller than the deposit in a jeonse agreement.

Utilities such as gas, electricity, and uncapped WiFi aren't usually included in the cost of rent, but they tend to be affordable.

Accommodation in Seoul 
Areas and Suburbs in Seoul

Cost of transport in Seoul

You’ll typically find owning a car in Seoul unnecessary and inconvenient. Parking is difficult to find, and traffic jams are frequent. Since public transport in Seoul is world class – extensive, clean, efficient and relatively affordable – there's not much need to drive. 

To save money, you can take advantage of lower rates on the metro or buses using the rechargeable T-money Card or newer alternatives like the Climate Card and mobile payment options instead of buying individual tickets.

Getting Around in Seoul

Cost of groceries in Seoul

Korean food and brands are largely affordable, especially when buying in bulk. Savvy shoppers browse markets and smaller shops, avoiding the markup often found at supermarkets.

Dairy and fresh produce may go for more than you’d expect. If you don’t buy in bulk, you’ll find that the cost of groceries goes up sharply. Imported brands from Europe or the US are costly.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Seoul

Eating out is typically inexpensive if you stick to Korean cuisine. If you're single, you may find eating out more affordable than buying and cooking food for one. Eating at foreign restaurants will come with a higher price tag.

You’ll find plenty to do in Seoul, whether you prefer nightlife or outdoor activities. The costs of these activities can add up, so you may need to budget carefully and search for free alternatives where possible.

Lifestyle in Seoul

Cost of education in Seoul

Public education in South Korea is free for elementary and middle school, and high school education is also subsidised. Expats rarely enrol their children in public schools. Although schools in Seoul are well known for their academic excellence, there are a few barriers for children from overseas, including the fact that Korean is the language of instruction.

International school fees in Seoul may very well be your largest expense after accommodation if you’re a parent. Given the city's extensive international population of diplomats and military personnel, there's a range of international schools. These schools are known for their high tuition fees but they offer globally recognised curricula in a familiar language, along with high teaching standards and a wider range of extracurricular activities, making them well worth the cost.

Education and Schools in Seoul 
International Schools in Seoul

Cost of healthcare in Seoul

Healthcare in Seoul is largely affordable, especially when compared to that of developed countries such as the US. Expats will be subscribed to the National Health Insurance programme, which typically covers 50 to 80 percent of healthcare costs.

Most employed expats will also have private health insurance coverage through their employer that helps cover remaining costs, so you’ll typically only pay a small percentage of the total. Hospitals and clinics in Seoul often have English-speaking staff, particularly in major medical facilities and international clinics.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Seoul

Cost of living in Seoul chart

Prices are listed in South Korean won (KRW) and may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Seoul in October 2026.