Cost of Living in Changwon - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,135 monthly including rent, or $805 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,772 with rent, or $1,484 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $2,410 including rent, or $2,163 for daily expenses alone.

Changwon sits about 18% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are slightly above average (4%) – still relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.40 ₩10.2K
$5.92 ₩8,127
$9.63 ₩13.2K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$27.18 ₩37.3K
$18.12 ₩24.9K
$54.5 ₩74.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.96 ₩6,816
$4.26 ₩5,842
$6.46 ₩8,870
Cappuccino
$3.57 ₩4,900
$2.53 ₩3,475
$4.70 ₩6,448
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.74 ₩2,388
$1.42 ₩1,947
$2.84 ₩3,895
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.93 ₩1,281
$0.72 ₩984
$2.15 ₩2,953
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.97 ₩4,078
$1.86 ₩2,556
$4.46 ₩6,118
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.18 ₩5,746
$2.91 ₩3,995
$6.55 ₩8,988
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.19 ₩3,012
$1.56 ₩2,146
$2.49 ₩3,412
White Bread (500g)
$3.03 ₩4,160
$1.79 ₩2,456
$4.99 ₩6,857
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.99 ₩4,105
$1.79 ₩2,455
$3.57 ₩4,897
Eggs
$2.65 ₩3,639
$2.22 ₩3,053
$4.45 ₩6,106
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.65 ₩14.6K
$9.39 ₩12.9K
$10.84 ₩14.9K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.16 ₩13.9K
$5.80 ₩7,960
$11.60 ₩15.9K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$24.48 ₩33.6K
$18.35 ₩25.2K
$33.04 ₩45.4K
Apples (1kg)
$10.80 ₩14.8K
$7.19 ₩9,873
$12.23 ₩16.8K
Banana (1kg)
$3.61 ₩4,956
$2.96 ₩4,065
$3.70 ₩5,082
Oranges (1kg)
$8.04 ₩11.0K
$5.56 ₩7,632
$11.12 ₩15.3K
Tomato (1kg)
$5.73 ₩7,861
$2.16 ₩2,963
$7.19 ₩9,877
Potato (1kg)
$5.74 ₩7,883
$2.15 ₩2,956
$7.18 ₩9,853
Onion (1kg)
$3.29 ₩4,519
$0.74 ₩1,015
$5.18 ₩7,106
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.79 ₩3,833
$1.12 ₩1,539
$3.72 ₩5,107
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.25 ₩1,719
$0.28 ₩390
$1.79 ₩2,458
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.31 ₩4,543
$3.31 ₩4,543
$3.31 ₩4,543
Wine (Bottle)
$18.50 ₩25.4K
$6.65 ₩9,137
$36.99 ₩50.8K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.42 ₩3,322
$1.50 ₩2,055
$3.74 ₩5,138
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.36 ₩4,613
$2.18 ₩2,989
$5.08 ₩6,974
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.99 ₩4,107
$2.85 ₩3,910
$5.76 ₩7,904
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.71 ₩971
$0.53 ₩732
$1.70 ₩2,328
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$16.13 ₩22.1K
$14.33 ₩19.7K
$17.91 ₩24.6K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.32 ₩1,814
$1.19 ₩1,638
$1.45 ₩1,990
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.8K ₩39.5M
$28.8K ₩39.5M
$28.8K ₩39.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.1K ₩45.5M
$27.2K ₩37.3M
$35.1K ₩48.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$197 ₩271.0K
$147 ₩202.3K
$295 ₩404.6K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$35.98 ₩49.4K
$18.43 ₩25.3K
$57.5 ₩79.0K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.52 ₩36.4K
$21.94 ₩30.1K
$32.92 ₩45.2K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$50.5 ₩69.3K
-
Cinema Ticket
$10.90 ₩15.0K
$10.90 ₩15.0K
$14.53 ₩19.9K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$616 ₩845.8K
$290 ₩398.0K
$942 ₩1.3M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$21.7K ₩29.7M
$14.8K ₩20.4M
$34.8K ₩47.8M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$102 ₩140.2K
$58.4 ₩80.1K
$109 ₩150.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$64.7 ₩88.9K
$51.8 ₩71.1K
$74.0 ₩101.6K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$92.1 ₩126.5K
$59.0 ₩80.9K
$111 ₩151.8K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$127 ₩173.8K
$59.6 ₩81.8K
$149 ₩204.5K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,631 ₩2.2M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.22
3.25
6.04

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: August 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Average take-home pay sits at $1,631, while typical expenses reach $1,135. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $1,702.

Expect to spend about $473 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $27.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Cost Highlights

White bread is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

Chicken fillets is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia

Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 93% of cities in Asia

Changwon Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Changwon - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Changwon affordable overall for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find good value here?
Cost of Living in Changwon, South Korea tends to be moderate with the major metros. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, you’ll find affordable options in housing, groceries, and daily errands, especially outside peak seasons. The city blends well-priced apartments with reliable transit, good internet, and a growing scene for cafes and coworking spaces. It’s particularly appealing if you value a calmer pace and easier neighborhood life while staying well connected to Busan’s bigger markets. If you’re comparing, factor neighborhood choice, lease terms, and seasonal travel patterns, which can shift costs. Tip: build a flexible budget that scales with local activities and transit needs.
What does daily life look like in Changwon in terms of housing, food, transport, and errands, and how can you plan around it?
Daily life in Changwon centers on practical choices: pick a neighborhood that fits your routine, from commuter-friendly zones to quieter residential pockets. Housing search benefits from a mix of modern rentals and older units, with options near markets, parks, and universities. Food options range from affordable street eats to casual cafes and international groceries, letting you balance variety with budget. Transport is straightforward, with buses and a growing rail link making weekend explorations easy. For remote work, seek dependable Wi‑Fi and nearby coworking spaces. The Changwon, South Korea living cost supports steady budgeting for rent, groceries, and transit, especially with seasonality in mind. Tip: map a couple of neighborhoods before committing.
What quality of life, budgeting frameworks, ways to save, and seasonality should you consider for Changwon, and how does neighborhood fit affect your plan?
Quality of life in Changwon blends organized city perks with a relaxed pace. For budgeting, start with a simple framework: fixed essentials (rent, utilities, groceries) plus flexible spend on dining and leisure. Track transit and coworking days to see how commute patterns influence costs. Neighborhoods near the waterfront, university districts, or industrial parks offer different vibes – choose based on what you’ll actually use daily rather than price alone. Seasonal shifts affect food markets and entertainment, so build a small buffer for occasional activities. Practical tips include negotiating lease terms, exploring multiple neighborhoods, and signing up for community events to build local routines. Tip: test a couple of neighborhoods before committing long-term.
What are the monthly living expenses in Changwon as of 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Changwon come to around $1,135 including rent, or roughly $805 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
Is Changwon one of the cheaper cities to live in?
Compared to most cities worldwide, Changwon is just cheap – all-in costs average $1,135 monthly. Both housing and daily necessities sit below the international median, which explains its popularity with budget travelers, nomads, and locals on modest incomes.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Changwon?
Earning $1,702 monthly in Changwon means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
How expensive is preschool in Changwon per month?
Childcare averages $616 monthly at a private kindergarten in Changwon. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Changwon?
Groceries in Changwon cost around $473 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Changwon?
$1,200 stretches far in Changwon – all-in monthly costs average only $1,135. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What are the pros and cons of living in Changwon?
Living in Changwon means access to fast internet, low crime rates at about $1,135 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
How much can you save per month in Changwon?
Monthly expenses in Changwon run around $1,135, so putting money aside takes more than $1,702 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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