Seoul, South Korea
Cost of living · 2026 · Asia · Rent +2.2% vs 2025
Rent trend in Seoul (2022–2026)
Cost breakdown in Seoul (2026)
Estimated monthly budget in Seoul
Based on 2026 data. Includes rent, groceries, transport, utilities and occasional dining out.
Cost comparison — cities in South Korea (2026)
| City | 1-Bed Rent | Groceries | Transport | Utilities | vs Seoul |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | KRW 2,000,054 | KRW 652,649 | KRW 70,528 | KRW 194,742 | — |
| Busan | KRW 1,368,458 | KRW 589,490 | KRW 57,896 | KRW 168,426 | -31.6% |
| Daejeon | KRW 1,157,926 | KRW 536,857 | KRW 57,896 | KRW 157,899 | -42.1% |
| Incheon | KRW 1,473,724 | KRW 578,963 | KRW 63,160 | KRW 173,689 | -26.3% |
Other Asia cities (2026)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Seoul in 2026?
In 2026, a single person living in Seoul needs approximately KRW 3,023,240/month, covering rent, groceries, transport and utilities. A family of 3–4 typically spends around KRW 5,973,319/month. Seoul is considered a relatively expensive city by global standards.
How much is rent in Seoul in 2026?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Seoul costs approximately KRW 2,000,054/month in 2026. A 3-bedroom apartment runs around KRW 3,789,576/month. Rent has changed +2.2% vs 2025.
How much do groceries cost in Seoul?
Monthly grocery costs for one person in Seoul are approximately KRW 652,649 in 2026. This covers basic supermarket shopping including food and household essentials.
What does public transport cost in Seoul?
A monthly public transport pass in Seoul costs KRW 70,528 in 2026, covering unlimited bus, metro and tram travel within the city.
How much are utilities in Seoul?
Monthly utility costs in Seoul average KRW 194,742 in 2026, covering electricity, heating/cooling, water and internet for a standard apartment.
Is Seoul expensive to live in?
Seoul is located in South Korea (Asia). With a 1-bed rent of KRW 2,000,054/month and total single-person expenses around KRW 3,023,240/month, it is relatively expensive by global standards.
How much does eating out cost in Seoul?
A typical restaurant meal for one person in Seoul costs approximately KRW 13,158 in 2026. Budget around KRW 105,266/month if dining out a few times a week.
How have living costs in Seoul changed over time?
LifeIndexed tracks cost of living data for Seoul from 2022 to 2026. 1-bed rent has increased by 19.6% over this period (from KRW 1,672,000 in 2022 to KRW 2,000,054 in 2026). Use the year tabs above to compare costs across years.
What is the monthly budget needed to live comfortably in Seoul?
To live comfortably in Seoul in 2026, a single person needs approximately KRW 3,023,240/month. This covers rent (KRW 2,000,054), groceries (KRW 652,649), transport (KRW 70,528), utilities (KRW 194,742) and dining out occasionally. A family of 3–4 should budget around KRW 5,973,319/month.