Cost of Living in Seoul

24-hour high-tech megalopolis; offers extreme convenience, safety, and fun, but a high-pressure work culture.
Moving abroad? The Wise account makes relocation easy.

£1,456

Average cost per month

1

Distribution of Expenses

Property
50%
Groceries
26%
Eating Out
8%
Transportation
2%
Utilities
10%
Leisure
4%
Property
50%
Groceries
26%
Eating Out
8%
Transportation
2%
Utilities
10%
Leisure
4%

K-Pop, gaming & BBQ dining

Han River basin; surrounding hills

Tech giant; competitive & fast-paced

Cost of living breakdown for Seoul

Living costs in Seoul can vary. You can expect to spend around £1,456 per month for 1 person as of 2026, on common living costs such as housing, food, and transport.

Housing

£658Average rent per month in Seoul
£13,595Price per m² (city centre)
£7,136Price per m² (outside centre)
Housing

Standard of Living

Cost of living index47
Quality of life index75
Safety index81
Standard of Living

Food & Drink

Seoul average costs for food and drink.

£352Monthly groceries/person
£110Dining out average cost/person
£3Regular coffee
Food & Drink

Salary & Services

Seoul average salaries and services.

£2,164Average Monthly Net Salary in Seoul
£33Transport
Healthcare82
Salary & Services

Average living costs in Seoul

ItemAverage pricePrice range
1 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£657.87£500.74 - £751.11
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£447.07£350.52 - £600.89
3 Bedroom Apartment in City CentreRent Per Month£1,599.28£1,251.86 - £2,153.19
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of CentreRent Per Month£884.07£751.11 - £1,001.48

The account that moves with you

Cities in South Korea

Relocation made simple

Whatever you're relocating for, the Wise account is made to support you.

App Store

4.8★ on App Store 152k reviews

Google Play

4.8★ on Google Play 1.3m reviews

Our smart app makes relocation easy

Frequently asked questions

The cost of living in Seoul depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person needs £798 per month without rent, while a family of four requires £2,855. Renting a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs an additional £658 on average.

Public transport prices vary, but generally, a one-way ticket for local transport in Seoul costs £0.78. If you are commuting regularly, a monthly pass is typically priced at £33.

The average monthly net salary (after tax) in Seoul is currently £2,164.

Dining costs depend on your choices. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Seoul costs approximately £7, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around £45.

The estimated monthly cost of living in Seoul for a single person is £798, excluding rent.

For a family of four living in Seoul, the estimated monthly costs are £2,855, not including rent.

Rent prices in Seoul depend on the area. The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is £658, compared to £447 outside the centre. For a 3-bedroom apartment, the average is £1,599 in the centre and £884 in suburban areas.

Basic utilities in Seoul (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m² apartment) cost an average of £117 per month. Internet access typically adds another £14.