Cities · South Korea

KR Seoul — cost of living

What it actually costs to live in Seoul, South Korea. Monthly rent, utilities, groceries, and transit costs sourced from national statistical offices and municipal data.

Total monthly essentials: approximately €2,250,000/month for a single person in a 1-bedroom flat (rent + utilities + groceries + transit). Lifestyle and neighbourhood swing this 30–50% either way.

Cost breakdown

ItemMonthly / item costSource
1-bedroom flat, city centre €1,500,000/mo Naver Real Estate Q4 2024 central Seoul 1BR ↗
Rent per square metre €38000.00/m² Naver Real Estate Q4 2024 Gangnam/Yongsan ↗
Utilities (85m² flat) €240,000/mo KEPCO + KOGAS + water 2025 ↗
Public transport pass €60,000/mo T-money + K-Pass monthly average ↗
Groceries, one person €450,000/mo KOSIS 2025 consumption basket ↗
Restaurant meal, average €12,000 Seoul mid-range dining ↗

Figures reflect the most recent published statistical data; individual experience varies with district and lifestyle.

Visa routes for South Korea

Relevant residence permits to move to Seoul. Full detail on the South Korea country brief.

VisaE-7 Foreign Skilled WorkerManagers, technical specialists, and qualified professionals.VisaD-8 Corporate InvestmentForeign-investment-funded employees and founders of Korean entities.VisaD-10 Job Seeker / Top-TierRecent graduates and tech professionals seeking Korean employment.VisaF-1-D Workation (Digital Nomad) VisaNon-Korean remote workers earning ≥ ₩88M/year from non-Korean employers.

Other cities in South Korea

CityBusanCityDaeguCityDaejeonCityIncheon
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