Published: Monday, 21th October 2024
The cost of living in South Korea is 2.47 times less expensive as compared to United States.
On this page, you will find side-by-side cost comparison between South Korea and United States. We have created 172 cost-of-living indicators. We average the prices of all those indicators and take a mathematically calculated approach to determine which country is more expensive to live in between South Korea and United States.
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Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
1 BHK Apartment in City Center | 800,000 KRW (600 USD) | 2,500 USD |
2 BHK Apartment in City Center | 1,500,000 KRW (1,125 USD) | 3,500 USD |
3 BHK Apartment in City Center | 2,500,000 KRW (1,875 USD) | 4,500 USD |
1 BHK Apartment outside City Center | 500,000 KRW (375 USD) | 1,800 USD |
2 BHK Apartment outside City Center | 1,000,000 KRW (750 USD) | 2,500 USD |
3 BHK Apartment outside City Center | 1,500,000 KRW (1,125 USD) | 3,200 USD |
Mortgage Rates Per Month | 3 % | 3.5 % |
Realtor Commission | 1 % | 2.5 % |
Property Taxes | 0.15 to 0.5 % | 0.5 to 2.5 % |
The average housing cost in South Korea is 3.12 times less expensive than United States.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Basic Home Furnishing | 2,000,000 KRW (1,500 USD) | 3,000 USD |
Electricity Cost Per Month | 50,000 KRW (37.50 USD) | 150 USD |
Heating Cost Per Month | 70,000 KRW (52.50 USD) | 120 USD |
Cooling Cost Per Month | 40,000 KRW (30 USD) | 80 USD |
Water Supply Cost Per Month | 20,000 KRW (15 USD) | 50 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 51.91% less for Utilities.
The basic home furnishing in South Korea costs 2.00 times less compared to United States.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Standard Wifi Cost Per Month | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 60 USD |
Mobile Phone Basic Plan Cost Per Month | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Landline Basic Plan Cost Per Month | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 30 USD |
Cable TV Basic Plan Cost Per Month | 20,000 KRW (15 USD) | 100 USD |
The internet and communication costs 71.88% less in South Korea compared to United States.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Long Grain Rice (1 KG) | 4,000 KRW (3 USD) | 4 USD |
Milk (1 Liter) | 2,000 KRW (1.50 USD) | 1 USD |
Water (1 Liter) | 1,000 KRW (0.75 USD) | 1 USD |
Bread (500 gm) | 2,500 KRW (1.88 USD) | 2 USD |
Eggs (1 Dozen) | 3,000 KRW (2.25 USD) | 3 USD |
Cheese (1 KG) | 8,000 KRW (6 USD) | 6 USD |
Chicken Breast (1 KG) | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 10 USD |
In South Korea, the cost of 1 Liter Water and 1 Liter Milk is 1.13 times more expensive than the cost in United States.
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 15.28% less for Groceries.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Apples (1 KG) | 5,000 KRW (3.75 USD) | 3 USD |
Bananas (1 KG) | 3,000 KRW (2.25 USD) | 1.50 USD |
Oranges (1 KG) | 4,000 KRW (3 USD) | 2.50 USD |
Tomatoes (1 KG) | 3,500 KRW (2.63 USD) | 3 USD |
Potatoes (1 KG) | 2,500 KRW (1.88 USD) | 2 USD |
Lemons (1 KG) | 5,000 KRW (3.75 USD) | 2.50 USD |
Onions (1 KG) | 3,000 KRW (2.25 USD) | 2 USD |
Lentils (1 KG) | 6,000 KRW (4.50 USD) | 4 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 1.17 times more for Fruits and Vegetables.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Meal at a Resonable Restaurant | 12,000 KRW (9 USD) | 20 USD |
Three-Course Meal for Two | 50,000 KRW (37.50 USD) | 60 USD |
Fast Food Combo Meal | 8,000 KRW (6 USD) | 8 USD |
Normal Coffee | 4,000 KRW (3 USD) | 4 USD |
Soft Drink | 2,500 KRW (1.88 USD) | 2 USD |
Pizza for One | 20,000 KRW (15 USD) | 15 USD |
Take-Out Delivery Meal | 12,000 KRW (9 USD) | 20 USD |
Cigarette Pack of 20 | 5,000 KRW (3.75 USD) | 8 USD |
Dining-Out costs 37.86% less in South Korea compared to United States.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Wine Mid-Range Bottle | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 15 USD |
Glass of Wine | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 8 USD |
Domestic Beer Half Liter | 3,000 KRW (2.25 USD) | 3 USD |
Imported Beer Half Liter | 4,000 KRW (3 USD) | 4 USD |
Domestic Alcohol 1 Liter | 15,000 KRW (11.25 USD) | 20 USD |
Branded Alcohol 1 Liter | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 30 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 1.16 times less for usual hard drinks.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Monthly Public Transportation Pass | 60,000 KRW (45 USD) | 120 USD |
Single Public Transportation Ticket | 1,200 KRW (0.90 USD) | 2.50 USD |
Single Train Ticket | 70,000 KRW (52.50 USD) | 100 USD |
Domestic Airplane Ticket | 200,000 KRW (150 USD) | 200 USD |
Taxi Start Fare | 3,000 KRW (2.25 USD) | 3 USD |
Taxi Rate Per Kilometer | 1,000 KRW (0.75 USD) | 2 USD |
Car Rental Per Day | 70,000 KRW (52.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Parking Fees in City Center Per Hour | 3,000 KRW (2.25 USD) | 5 USD |
Parking Fees outside City Center Per Hour | 1,500 KRW (1.13 USD) | 2 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 1.58 times less for transportation.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Reasonable Vehicle Purchase Cost | 30,000,000 KRW (22,500 USD) | 25,000 USD |
Vehicle Registration Cost | 200,000 KRW (150 USD) | 150 USD |
Driving License Fees | 50,000 KRW (37.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Car Insurance Cost | 500,000 KRW (375 USD) | 800 USD |
Car Maintenance Cost | 150,000 KRW (112.50 USD) | 200 USD |
Car Loan Interest Rates | 4 % | 4 % |
Fuel Per Liter | 1,500 KRW (1.13 USD) | 1 USD |
Fuel Per Gallon | 6,000 KRW (4.50 USD) | 4 USD |
Average Toll Fees | 5,000 KRW 3.75 USD | Yet to Update |
You would have to pay 1.13 times less for Vehicle purchase, daily operation and maintenance in South Korea compared to that of United States.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Doctor Visit | 70,000 KRW (52.50 USD) | 150 USD |
Specialist Visit | 150,000 KRW (112.50 USD) | 250 USD |
Dentist Visit | 80,000 KRW (60 USD) | 100 USD |
Eye Exam | 60,000 KRW (45 USD) | 80 USD |
Mental Health Counseling | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 150 USD |
Preventive Health Screening | 80,000 KRW (60 USD) | 80 USD |
Physical Therapy | 70,000 KRW (52.50 USD) | 100 USD |
Emergency Room Visit | 150,000 KRW (112.50 USD) | 500 USD |
Hospital Stay Per Night | 200,000 KRW (150 USD) | 400 USD |
Vaccinations | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 40 USD |
Prescription Medication | 20,000 KRW (15 USD) | 20 USD |
Over the Counter Medication | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 10 USD |
Health Insurance Premiums | 150,000 KRW (112.50 USD) | 300 USD |
Health Insurance Deductibles | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 500 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 2.98 times less for Health and Medical Treatment.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Cosmetic Procedures | 500,000 KRW (375 USD) | 300 USD |
Spa Treatment | 150,000 KRW (112.50 USD) | 150 USD |
Manicure Pedicure Cost | 50,000 KRW (37.50 USD) | 40 USD |
Optical Glasses Cost | 150,000 KRW (112.50 USD) | 150 USD |
Contact Lenses Cost | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 100 USD |
Haircuts | 20,000 KRW (15 USD) | 25 USD |
Hair Coloring | 80,000 KRW (60 USD) | 75 USD |
Shampoo Price | 4,000 KRW (3 USD) | 5 USD |
Toothpaste Price | 2,000 KRW (1.50 USD) | 3 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 1.07 times less for Personal Care Items and Treatment.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Pair of Nike Running Shoes | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 100 USD |
Men's Shirt | 40,000 KRW (30 USD) | 40 USD |
Women's Dress | 80,000 KRW (60 USD) | 80 USD |
Summer Dress | 40,000 KRW (30 USD) | 50 USD |
Men's Suit | 500,000 KRW (375 USD) | 500 USD |
Men's Jeans | 60,000 KRW (45 USD) | 60 USD |
Women's Jeans | 50,000 KRW (37.50 USD) | 60 USD |
Men's Formal Shoes | 120,000 KRW (90 USD) | 100 USD |
Women's Formal Shoes | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 80 USD |
Men's Casual Shoes | 80,000 KRW (60 USD) | 70 USD |
Women's Casual Shoes | 60,000 KRW (45 USD) | 60 USD |
Underwear For Men | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 20 USD |
Underwear For Women | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 20 USD |
Socks For Men | 5,000 KRW (3.75 USD) | 10 USD |
Socks For Women | 5,000 KRW (3.75 USD) | 10 USD |
Wintercoat for Adults | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 100 USD |
Sportswear | 50,000 KRW (37.50 USD) | 60 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 1.34 times less for Clothing and Footwear for Adults.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Children's Jeans | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 30 USD |
Children's Normal Sneakers | 40,000 KRW (30 USD) | 40 USD |
Children's Winter Coat | 60,000 KRW (45 USD) | 60 USD |
Daycare for Infant | 300,000 KRW (225 USD) | 1,500 USD |
Daycare for Toddler | 250,000 KRW (187.50 USD) | 1,200 USD |
Childcare for Sick Days | 50,000 KRW (37.50 USD) | 40 USD |
Early Childhood Education Programs | 500,000 KRW (375 USD) | 600 USD |
Extra Curricular Activities | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 60 USD |
Summer Camp for Kids | 200,000 KRW (150 USD) | 300 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 3.34 times less for Childcare and kids clothing.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
PreSchool Fees | 200,000 KRW (150 USD) | 1,800 USD |
Primary School Fees | 500,000 KRW (375 USD) | 4,000 USD |
Secondary School Fees | 700,000 KRW (525 USD) | 6,000 USD |
Private School Fees | 1,000,000 KRW (750 USD) | 8,000 USD |
University Tuition Fees | 2,000,000 KRW (1,500 USD) | 10,000 USD |
University Private Tuition Fees | 4,000,000 KRW (3,000 USD) | 20,000 USD |
After School Activities | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 150 USD |
Special Education Services | 300,000 KRW (225 USD) | 150 USD |
Tutoring | 50,000 KRW (37.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Textbooks Cost | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 40 USD |
School Supplies | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 30 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 7.46 times less for school and education.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Movie Ticket (Single) | 12,000 KRW (9 USD) | 15 USD |
Theater Ticket (Single) | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Concert Ticket (Single) | 70,000 KRW (52.50 USD) | 60 USD |
Sports Event Ticket (Single) | 50,000 KRW (37.50 USD) | 50 USD |
Gym Membership | 80,000 KRW (60 USD) | 60 USD |
Swimming Pool Access | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 40 USD |
Museum Entry Ticket | 5,000 KRW (3.75 USD) | 15 USD |
Zoo Entry Ticket | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 25 USD |
Amusement Park Entry Ticket | 20,000 KRW (15 USD) | 50 USD |
Bowling | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 15 USD |
Mini Golf | 15,000 KRW (11.25 USD) | 10 USD |
Video Games | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 60 USD |
Streaming Services | 20,000 KRW (15 USD) | 15 USD |
Outdoor Equipment Rental | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 25 USD |
Theme Park Annual Pass | 150,000 KRW (112.50 USD) | 400 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 2.19 times less for entertainment, recreation and fun activities.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Language Classes | 200,000 KRW (150 USD) | 40 USD |
Parenting Classes | 150,000 KRW (112.50 USD) | 60 USD |
Art Classes | 25,000 KRW (18.75 USD) | 30 USD |
Fitness Classes | 20,000 KRW (15 USD) | 20 USD |
Music Lessons | 40,000 KRW (30 USD) | 50 USD |
Dance Lessons | 30,000 KRW (22.50 USD) | 40 USD |
Reading Materials for Classes | 10,000 KRW (7.50 USD) | 10 USD |
Educational Software | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 30 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, instead of United States, you would have to pay 1.54 times more for Private Classes.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Average Gross Monthly Salary | 3,000,000 KRW (2,250 USD) | 5,000 USD |
Average Net Monthly Salary | 2,400,000 KRW (1,800 USD) | 3,800 USD |
Minimum Wages | 83,333.33 KRW per hour (62.50 USD) | 60 USD per hour |
Average Bonus | 500,000 KRW (375 USD) | 1,000 USD |
Income Tax Rate | 0 to 10 % | 0 to 10 % |
Social Security Contributions | 5 % | 6.2 % |
Pension Contributions | 5 % | 4 % |
Cost of Living Index | 60 | 10 |
Median Household Income | 2,500,000 KRW (1,875 USD) | 5,000 USD |
If you lived in South Korea, you would earn 2.34 times less salary as compared to United States.
Indicators | South Korea | United States |
---|---|---|
Legal Consultation Per Hour Rate | 100,000 KRW (75 USD) | 250 USD |
Accounting Services Per Hour Rate | 80,000 KRW (60 USD) | 200 USD |
IT Support Services Per Hour Rate | 70,000 KRW (52.50 USD) | 150 USD |
Technician Services Per Hour Rate | 60,000 KRW (45 USD) | 100 USD |
Professional Services cost 3.01 times less in South Korea, as compared to United States.
We hope you enjoyed the detailed guide on the cost of living comparsion between South Korea and United States.
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