Cost of Living Guide in Seoul (2025): rent, salaries and neighborhoods

Updated: 14/10/2025 · Reading: 7–9 min · For: movers, professionals, students, digital nomads and families

Seoul blends convenience and energy. Costs shift a lot by subway line, commute time and unit size. A realistic per-person monthly budget is €1,100–€2,100 (rent included), depending on area and habits.

Quick summary (decide in minutes)

• Rent: room €450–€800 · central studio €900–€1,400 · well-connected 1-bed €1,200–€1,900
• Transport: monthly pass varies by operator/zone (Subway + bus) — see city page notes
• Groceries/month: €200–€350 per person
• Utilities (small flat): €70–€120/month
• Savings shortcut: live 20–35 min from Jongno/Gangnam via express or limited-stop lines to cut rent 10–25%

Housing: ranges and where it makes sense

Indicative ranges

• Central studio (Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Gangnam-gu): €900–€1,400/month
• 1-bed, well connected (Mapo-gu, Seongdong-gu, Yongsan-gu, Seocho-gu): €1,200–€1,900/month
• Room in shared flat / officetel: €450–€800/month
• Upfronts: expect deposit (“jeonse”/key money) or mixed deposit+rent; check agency fees and contract terms

Rent by area (indicative)

• Core hubs (Jongno/Jung/Gangnam): studio €1,000–€1,500 · 1-bed €1,400–€2,100
• Inner ring (Mapo/Yongsan/Seongdong/Seocho): studio €900–€1,300 · 1-bed €1,200–€1,800
• Value corridors (Gwanak/Nowon/Gangbuk + fast lines): studio €750–€1,050 · 1-bed €1,000–€1,500

Viewing checklist

1. Bring income/contract and be ready to decide quickly.
2. Confirm deposit type (jeonse vs. wolse/rent), renewal and maintenance fees.
3. Check heating (ondol), A/C, noise, elevator and building age.
4. Ask about internet speed and whether water/heating are included.
5. Verify mold/ventilation and winter insulation.

Transport: move smart

• Subway + bus cover most corridors; pass pricing varies by distance/zone.
• Time vs transfers: one fast line can beat a shorter path with multiple changes.

Time vs money (door-to-door)

• Express/limited-stop beats distance: a 25–35 min express often equals a “closer” slow route.
• WFH strategy: adding 2–3 stops can save 10–25% on rent with similar door-to-door times.
• One transfer max to avoid fatigue and hidden costs.

Food: eat well on a budget

• Groceries: €200–€350/month
• Lunch: €6–€10 · Casual dinner: €12–€24
  Where to save: local markets (e.g., Mangwon), mart promotions (eMart, Lotte), convenience-store meals for late schedules.

Utilities & connectivity

• Electricity + gas + water (small flat): €70–€120/month (winter peaks from heating)
• Fiber 300–1,000 Mbps: €20–€35/month

Leisure & health

• Cinema: €7–€12 · Gym: €25–€55/month · Basic private consult: €30–€70

Monthly budgets (rent included)

Tip: if you ride >40 trips/month, a pass usually pays off. Combine express subway + bike/scooter for last-mile speed.

Fast area picks

• Urban vibe: Hongdae (Mapo), Itaewon-adjacent (Yongsan), City Hall/Jongno
• Value: Gwanak, Nowon, parts of Gangbuk and eastern lines with fast service
• Family/quiet: Seongdong (some pockets), Seocho, residential Mapo
• Creative/tech: Pangyo corridor (nearby), Seongsu (Seongdong), parts of Gangnam

Hidden costs

• Deposit structure (jeonse/wolse), building maintenance fees, appliance/furniture on move-in
• Seasonal heating peaks, potential move-out cleaning/repairs

Practical tips & common mistakes

Tips: measure door-to-door, weekly meal plan, pass if >40 rides/month, watch winter heating.
Mistakes: choosing only by rent, ignoring deposit terms, underestimating transfer time.

FAQ

How much to live alone in Seoul? For a 1-bed outside the hyper-center: €1,700–€2,100/month depending on area and habits.
Car in Seoul? Mostly unnecessary; subway/bus + bike win on time and cost.
Share or studio? Sharing saves 25–35%; studio = privacy.

Methodology & links

Ranges are indicative, vary by district/building/season/contract.
Seoul page · City comparator · Seoul vs NYC