Cost of Living in Seoul, Seoul Capital Area (2026)
COL Index
73
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$900
per month
Median HHI
—
per year
State Tax
15%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Seoul |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $650 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $900 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,400 |
| Median home price | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $8 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $35 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | — |
| Gas price/gal | — |
| Car insurance/mo | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $80 |
| Internet/mo | $25 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | — |
| State income tax rate | 15.0% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 10.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 73 |
| Walk score / 100 | 85 |
Is Seoul affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,228/mo take-home
40% rent burden · Tight
$50K
~$2,535/mo take-home
36% rent burden · Tight
$60K
~$3,043/mo take-home
30% rent burden · Manageable
$75K
~$3,803/mo take-home
24% rent burden · Comfortable
$80K
~$4,057/mo take-home
22% rent burden · Comfortable
$100K
~$5,071/mo take-home
18% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$5,655/mo take-home
16% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$7,069/mo take-home
13% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only