Can you live in Seoul with $ 1,000 a month?

Not comfortably. Estimated monthly costs are around $2,431, which exceeds this budget.

Can you live in Seoul with $ 2,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $2,431, you would have roughly $0 left each month (Tight Budget).

Can you live in Seoul with $ 3,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $2,431, you would have roughly $569 left each month (Affordable).

Can you live in Seoul with $ 5,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $2,431, you would have roughly $2,569 left each month (Very Comfortable).

Can you live in Seoul with $ 8,000 a month?

Yes. With estimated monthly costs of about $2,431, you would have roughly $5,569 left each month (Premium Lifestyle).

🇰🇷

Seoul, South Korea

How much does it really cost to live in Seoul? Housing, food, transport, internet and more — plus what salary you need to live comfortably.

Asia 👥 9,700,000 people 🌤️ Temperate climate Large city 💱 KRW

💰 Can I afford Seoul? ⚖️ Compare this city South Korea →

$ $1,150 1-bedroom rent / mo

84 Quality of life / 100

90 Safety / 100

94 Internet / 100

38 Affordability / 100

Seoul vs Busan ⚖️ Seoul vs Taipei ⚖️ Seoul vs Busan ⚖️ Seoul vs Jeju City ⚖️

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Estimated Monthly Cost

Single person, moderate lifestyle, 1-bedroom apartment.

Rent (1-bedroom)	$1,150
Food (moderate)	$470
Transport	$40
Utilities	$110
Internet	$35
Healthcare	$110
Entertainment	$240
Total (moderate)	$2,431

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Housing Costs

Typical monthly rent in Seoul.

Shared accommodation	$500
Studio	$900
1-bedroom	$1,150
2-bedroom	$1,600
3-bedroom	$2,150

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City Scores

How Seoul rates, out of 100.

Cost of living

Safety

Quality of life

Internet

Healthcare

Transport

Nightlife

Climate

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At a Glance

Climate🌤️ Temperate
City sizeLarge
Near the seaNo
Geography🏙️ Urban
Capital citySeoul
LanguageKorean
CurrencyKRW
Time zoneAsia/Seoul

⚖️

Pros and Cons of Seoul

✅ Pros

Relatively safe city
Fast and reliable internet
Good public transport network
Great overall quality of life
Good healthcare options
Vibrant nightlife and entertainment

⚠️ Cons

Higher cost of living

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Monthly Budget by Lifestyle

Based on a single person living in a 1-bedroom apartment.

Budget $1,625 per month Basic $1,890 per month Moderate $2,431 per month Comfortable $3,235 per month Premium $5,002 per month

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Can You Live in Seoul on These Salaries?

Estimated for a single person, moderate lifestyle, 1-bedroom apartment.

Monthly income	Status	Remaining
$ 1,000	Very Difficult	$-1,431 / month
$ 2,000	Tight Budget	$-431 / month
$ 3,000	Affordable	$569 / month
$ 5,000	Very Comfortable	$2,569 / month
$ 8,000	Premium Lifestyle	$5,569 / month