Cost of Living in Korea for Foreigners (Real 2026 Breakdown)
How much does it really cost to live in South Korea as a foreigner in 2026?
If you’ve searched for “cost of living in Korea 2026” or “monthly expenses in Seoul,” you’re not alone — it's one of the most common questions from potential expats and digital nomads.
In this guide, we’ll break down the actual costs by category: housing, food, transport, healthcare, SIM/internet, and more.
💡 All numbers are based on real foreigner experiences in Korea, updated for 2026.
1. Rent & Housing 🏠
Housing is usually your biggest monthly expense.
But in Korea, **rental systems are different** from Western countries.
You’ll mainly choose between:
- Wolse (월세): Monthly rent + small deposit
- Jeonse (전세): Huge deposit (e.g. $30,000+) with no monthly rent
🧾 Average monthly rent (wolse) in 2026:
- Seoul (studio): $500–$800
- Busan / Daegu: $300–$600
- Outside city centers: $250–$500
🏢 Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet): $80–$150/month
2. Food & Groceries 🍜
Korea offers both cheap local food and premium imported products.
💡 Tip: Eating like a local saves big.
- Average Korean meal at restaurant: $5–$8
- Monthly grocery budget (single person): $200–$350
- Imported goods (cheese, wine, cereal): 2–3x local price
🛵 Food delivery is popular but adds up quickly — around $12–$20 per order including fees.
3. Transportation 🚇
Public transportation in Korea is efficient and affordable.
🚆 Monthly transport cost (Seoul):
- Subway/bus pass: $50–$70
- Taxis (short distance): $4–$10
- KTX high-speed train (Seoul to Busan): $45–$60
Most foreigners live car-free thanks to Korea’s world-class metro systems.
4. Healthcare 🏥
Healthcare in Korea is high-quality and low-cost — especially with insurance.
💡 Foreign residents can enroll in Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI).
- Monthly NHI premium (single): ~$100–$130
- Clinic visit with insurance: $5–$15
- Dental cleaning (no insurance): ~$30–$60
Private insurance plans are available for short-term or D-10 visa holders.
5. Mobile, SIM & Internet 📱
Communication services are fast but vary by provider.
- Unlimited mobile data plan: ~$40/month
- Prepaid SIM (limited data): $15–$30/month
- Home Wi-Fi: $20–$30/month
✨ Many foreigners use eSIM or WOWPASS for convenience when arriving.
6. Lifestyle & Extras 🛍️
Monthly living costs depend heavily on your lifestyle.
💅 Sample lifestyle costs in 2026:
- Gym membership: $40–$70/month
- Haircut (men): $10–$20 / (women): $25–$50
- Netflix/streaming: ~$10/month
- Weekend trips, cafes, shopping: personal choice 💸
Korea offers budget and luxury options in every category.
Summary: Monthly Budget Estimate (2026) 💸
Here’s a realistic cost estimate for a single foreigner living in Korea:
| Category | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Rent & Utilities | $580 | $950 |
| Food & Groceries | $200 | $400 |
| Transport | $50 | $100 |
| Healthcare | $100 | $150 |
| SIM/Internet | $20 | $50 |
| Lifestyle | $100 | $300 |
| Total | $1,050 | $1,950 |
✅ Budget life under $1,200 is possible.
💼 Comfortable lifestyle costs around $1,500–$1,800/month.
💎 Luxury lifestyle? Sky's the limit.
Conclusion: Is Korea Expensive for Foreigners in 2026? 🎯
Not really.
Compared to cities like New York, London, or Tokyo — Korea offers much better value.
If you’re smart with housing and eat like a local, your monthly cost can stay low.
Now that you know the numbers, the next step is planning your budget.
Up next: How to rent an apartment in Korea as a foreigner — including Jeonse vs Wolse.
