The cost of living in South Korea varies based on the city, accommodation, and lifestyle. A single person may spend around KRW 1.4 million–KRW 1.5 million (₹97K–₹1.10L) per month, excluding rent, while a family of four may need approximately KRW 5.2 million–KRW 5.5 million (₹3.54L–₹3.72L) per month, excluding rent.
For Indian students, the final budget can vary significantly depending on whether they stay in a university dormitory, share private housing, or rent an apartment independently. Students should also account for tuition, health insurance, visa expenses, deposits, flights, and personal spending when calculating their total study-abroad budget.
Cost of Living in South Korea by Profile
The monthly budget required in South Korea changes according to the type of resident and lifestyle. For international students, the government estimates KRW 750,000–1,000,000 (INR 48,750–65,000) per month for living expenses. This includes estimated housing, food, transportation, and other regular expenses.
Profile
Estimated Monthly Budget
International Student
KRW 750,000–1,000,000 (INR 48,750–65,000)
Student in Shared Housing
Around KRW 700,000–1,000,000 (INR 45,500–65,000)
Working Professional
Varies considerably by city and housing choice
Couple
Higher depending on housing, food, and lifestyle
Family
Significantly higher, especially with private housing and childcare
These are planning estimates rather than fixed spending limits. Seoul generally requires a higher budget, while students in regional cities can often manage housing and daily expenses at a lower level.
Cost of Living in South Korea by Cities
The cost of living varies widely between South Korean cities. Seoul is usually the most expensive choice for international students, particularly because of private housing. Regional cities such as Daegu can offer lower rental costs.
City
1BHK City Centre
1BHK Outside City Centre
Seoul
KRW 1,287,500 (₹8,36,875)
KRW 872,105 (₹5,66,868)
Busan
KRW 965,714 (₹6,27,714)
KRW 489,750 (₹3,18,338)
Incheon
KRW 823,383 (₹5,35,199)
KRW 491,570 (₹3,19,520)
Daejeon
KRW 500,000 (₹3,25,000)
KRW 400,000 (₹2,60,000)
Daegu
KRW 564,694 (₹3,67,051)
KRW 366,294 (₹2,38,091)
Gwangju
KRW 675,000 (₹4,38,750)
KRW 483,333 (₹3,14,167)
For example, Numbeo's current data shows a one-bedroom apartment in central Seoul at around KRW 1,287,500 (INR 8.37L) per month, compared with around KRW 564,694 (INR 3.67L) in Daegu. Outside the city center, the figures are approximately KRW 872,105 (INR 5.67L) in Seoul and KRW 366,294 (INR 2.38L) in Daegu.
Accommodation Costs in South Korea
South Korea also has a distinctive rental system. Under wolse, tenants pay a deposit and a fixed monthly rent. The deposit is generally returned at the end of the lease subject to the rental agreement. International students should understand the deposit and contract conditions before signing a private lease.
Accommodation Type
Monthly Cost
1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre
KRW 500,000–1,500,000 (INR 3.25L–9.75L)
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre
KRW 350,000–1,000,000 (INR 2.28L–6.50L)
3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre
KRW 1,200,000–4,000,000 (INR 7.80L–26L)
3 Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre
KRW 750,000–2,300,000 (INR 4.88L–14.95L)
Students should not compare rent alone. A cheaper apartment located far from campus may result in higher transportation costs and longer daily travel.
Food costs can vary based on whether students cook, eat at university cafeterias, or regularly visit restaurants.
The Korean government estimates student food expenses at approximately KRW 200,000–300,000 (INR 13,000–19,500) per month. A university cafeteria meal can cost around KRW 5,000–15,000 (INR 3,250–9,750).
Eating Out Costs in South Korea
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs approximately KRW 8,000–15,000 (INR 5,200–9,750). A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is around KRW 35,000–120,000 (INR 22,750–78,000).
Indian students can reduce food expenses by cooking larger portions, using local ingredients, and planning grocery trips instead of buying individual meals every day.
Transportation Costs in South Korea
Public transportation is one of the more practical ways for students to travel around South Korea. Major cities have extensive bus and subway networks, while taxis are useful for shorter trips or late-night travel.
Transport Type
Approximate Cost
One-Way Local Transport
KRW 1,400–1,650 (INR 910–1,073)
Monthly Public Transport Pass
KRW 60,000–70,000 (INR 39,000–45,500)
Taxi Start Fare
KRW 3,800–5,000 (INR 2,470–3,250)
Taxi per km
KRW 763–1,500 (INR 496–975)
Taxi Waiting, 1 hour
KRW 11,612–20,000 (INR 7,548–13,000)
Gasoline, 1 litre
KRW 1,600–2,009.93 (INR 1,040–1,306)
Students should check local transit cards and fare benefits available in their city. Living near campus can also reduce daily transportation expenses.
Utilities and Internet Costs in South Korea
Students renting private accommodation may need to pay separately for electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage collection, internet, and mobile services.
For an 85-square-meter apartment, Numbeo reports basic utilities of around KRW 177,727–361,250 (INR 1.16L–2.35L) per month. A mobile plan with calls and 10GB or more data costs approximately KRW 23,000–70,000 (INR 14,950–45,500), while broadband internet is around KRW 20,000–50,000 (INR 13,000–32,500).
Utility
Monthly Cost
Basic Utilities – 85 m² Apartment
KRW 180,000–361,250 (INR 1.17L–2.35L)
Mobile Phone Plan
KRW 23,000–72,000 (INR 14,950–46,800)
Broadband Internet
KRW 20,000–50,000 (INR 13,000–32,500)
For students living with roommates, utility and internet costs can often be divided among residents.
Healthcare and Health Insurance Costs in South Korea
For 2026, the National Health Insurance Service lists the average insurance premium for foreign regional subscribers at KRW 158,630 (INR 103,110) per month, including long-term care insurance. Eligible international students, including D-2 students, may receive a 50% reduction under the applicable conditions.
Healthcare / Insurance Expense
Approximate Cost
Foreign Regional Subscriber Average Insurance Premium
KRW 158,630 (INR 1.03L) per month
D-2 Student Premium After 50% Reduction, where applicable
Around KRW 79,315 (INR 51,555) per month
Hospital/Clinic Costs
Depends on treatment and insurance coverage
Prescription Medicines
Varies by medicine and coverage
Source: National Health Insurance Service and Study in Korea.
Students should confirm their individual insurance status, eligibility for reductions, and payment requirements before budgeting for healthcare.
Leisure and Miscellaneous Costs in South Korea
International students may also spend money on fitness, movies, social activities, clothing, personal care, and hobbies. These expenses are discretionary, so they can be adjusted depending on the student's monthly budget.
Activity / Item
Approximate Cost
Fitness Club Membership
KRW 35,000–120,000 (INR 22,750–78,000)
Cinema Ticket
KRW 13,000–16,000 (INR 8,450–10,400)
Tennis Court Rental
KRW 10,000–30,000 (INR 6,500–19,500)
Jeans
KRW 50,000–150,000 (INR 32,500–97,500)
Summer Dress
KRW 30,000–100,000 (INR 19,500–65,000)
Running Shoes
KRW 70,000–160,000 (INR 45,500–1.04L)
Students can keep these costs manageable by using campus facilities, looking for student discounts, and setting a monthly limit for entertainment and shopping.
Education Costs for International Students in South Korea
The approximate average annual tuition for undergraduate programs is approximately KRW 6,820,244 (INR 44.33L). The average is around KRW 4,265,842 (INR 27.73L) at national and public universities and KRW 7,625,336 (INR 49.56L) at private universities.
Program / Department
Average Annual Tuition
Undergraduate – National Average
KRW 6,820,244 (INR 44.33L)
Undergraduate – National & Public
KRW 4,265,842 (INR 27.73L)
Undergraduate – Private
KRW 7,625,336 (INR 49.56L)
Graduate Programs
KRW 4,216,103 (INR 27.40L)
Humanities & Social Sciences
KRW 6,003,000 (INR 39.02L)
Natural Sciences
KRW 6,875,000 (INR 44.69L)
Engineering
KRW 7,277,200 (INR 47.30L)
Arts & Physical Education
KRW 7,828,200 (INR 50.88L)
Medicine
KRW 9,843,400 (INR 63.98L)
These figures are national averages rather than fixed fees. Students should verify the tuition fee for their exact program on the university's official website before applying.
Additional study-related expenses may include:
Application fees
Books and academic materials
Laboratory or course fees
Health insurance
Student association or university charges
Housing deposits
Visa and immigration expenses
Flight tickets
Korean language courses, where required
Cost of Living in South Korea vs India
The cost of living in South Korea vs India can differ substantially for food, transportation, housing, and restaurant expenses. Numbeo's current comparison shows that many everyday expenses are higher in South Korea than in India.
Category
South Korea Cost
India Cost
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal
KRW 8,000–15,000 (INR 5,200–9,750)
INR 100–500
Meal for Two
KRW 35,000–120,000 (INR 22,750–78,000)
INR 650–3,000
Fast-Food Meal
KRW 7,500–10,000 (INR 4,875–6,500)
INR 300–500
Monthly Transport Pass
KRW 60,000–90,000 (INR 39,000–58,500)
Varies by city
Milk (1 litre)
KRW 2,000–3,852 (INR 1,300–2,504)
Varies by city
Eggs (12)
KRW 2,400–6,800 (INR 1,560–4,420)
Varies by city
1BHK City Centre
KRW 500,000–1,500,000 (INR 3.25L–9.75L)
Varies significantly
Basic Utilities
KRW 177,727–361,250 (INR 1.16L–2.35L)
Varies by city
The comparison should be used only as a broad planning guide. An Indian student's actual spending in South Korea will depend heavily on the city, accommodation arrangement, food preferences, and lifestyle.
Budgeting Tips for Students and Expats in South Korea
Planning the cost of living in South Korea per month before arrival can help international students avoid unexpected expenses.
How to Save on Accommodation in South Korea?
Check university dormitories before choosing private accommodation.
Compare dormitory costs with shared housing.
Consider neighborhoods farther from expensive central districts.
Understand the deposit and monthly rent before signing a lease.
Check whether utilities are included in the advertised rent.
Use reputable housing platforms and inspect properties before signing whenever possible.
How to Save on Food?
Cook meals at home when possible.
Use university cafeterias for affordable meals.
Compare grocery prices before shopping.
Buy commonly used local ingredients in larger quantities.
Limit frequent café and restaurant visits.
Plan weekly meals to avoid unnecessary food purchases.
How to Save on Transportation?
Use buses and subway systems instead of taxis for routine travel.
Check the transport card and fare options available in your city.
Look for student transportation benefits where offered.
Choose housing with convenient access to campus.
Walk or cycle for short journeys when practical.
Useful Budgeting Tools for Students in South Korea
Students can use simple tools to monitor expenses and manage shared costs.
Google Sheets – Useful for maintaining a monthly study-abroad budget.
Splitwise – Helpful for dividing rent, groceries, and shared household expenses.
Money Manager – Can be used to categorize everyday spending.
XE Currency – Useful for monitoring KRW-INR exchange rates when planning transfers.
Conclusion
The cost of living in South Korea can be manageable for international students when expenses are planned in advance. The Korean government's current estimate puts average student living expenses at around KRW 750,000–1,000,000 (INR 48,750–65,000) per month, excluding tuition and other major one-time study costs.
Seoul generally requires a higher housing budget, while cities such as Daegu and some other regional destinations can offer lower rental costs. Students should compare accommodation, food, transportation, and university fees together rather than choosing a city based on rent alone.
1. What is the cost of living in South Korea per month for international students?
The cost of living in South Korea per month depends on the city, housing, and lifestyle. Students should budget separately for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, health insurance, and personal expenses. Seoul generally requires a higher budget than regional cities.
2. What is the cost of living in South Korea for Indian students?
The cost of living in South Korea for Indian students generally ranges from KRW 700,000–1,200,000 (approximately INR 42,000–72,000) per month, depending mainly on accommodation and city. Students can reduce expenses by choosing university dormitories, sharing housing, cooking at home, and using public transportation. Tuition fees should be planned separately from monthly living expenses.
3. What is the cost of living in Seoul South Korea compared with other cities?
The cost of living in Seoul South Korea is generally higher than in cities such as Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju, particularly for private accommodation. Students living in Seoul should allow a larger portion of their budget for rent and daily expenses.
4. What are the cheapest cities to live in South Korea for international students?
Regional cities such as Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon can be more affordable than Seoul, especially for accommodation. However, costs vary by university location, housing type, and personal lifestyle, so students should compare expenses before choosing a city.
5. Is university accommodation cheaper than private housing in South Korea?
University dormitories are often a practical way for international students to manage housing expenses. They can also reduce commuting costs when located on or near campus. Availability, room type, meal plans, and fees vary by university.
6. What is the average salary needed to live comfortably in South Korea?
There is no single salary figure because the amount needed depends on the city, housing, family size, and lifestyle. A working professional living alone in Seoul may need a higher income than someone living in a regional city or sharing accommodation.
7. How much money should I carry when moving to South Korea as a student?
Students should have enough funds to cover their initial accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, university-related expenses, and other setup costs. It is also advisable to keep an emergency fund for unexpected expenses during the first few months.
8. What are the hidden costs of living in South Korea for international students?
Students should account for expenses that may not appear in a basic monthly budget, including housing deposits, moving costs, utility setup, study materials, visa-related expenses, mobile services, health insurance payments, and occasional travel.
9. Do students need a housing deposit when renting in South Korea?
Private rentals in South Korea can involve substantial housing deposits, depending on the rental arrangement and contract. International students should understand the deposit, monthly rent, maintenance charges, contract period, and refund conditions before signing a lease.
10. How much does student accommodation cost in South Korea?
Student accommodation costs vary significantly depending on whether a student chooses a university dormitory, shared apartment, private room, or studio. Location also matters, with housing near major universities and central areas generally costing more.
11. What factors affect the cost of living in South Korea for Indian students?
The main factors include the city, accommodation type, food choices, transportation, health insurance, entertainment, and exchange-rate fluctuations. Indian students should also consider tuition fees, travel between India and South Korea, and initial settlement expenses when preparing their overall study-abroad budget.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4974 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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