For one person, living costs in Changwon are estimated at $1,538 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $32 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Changwon actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $1,538 monthly including rent, or $962 excluding housing.
$1,538 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,371 with rent, or $1,607 without housing.
$2,371 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,204 including rent, or $2,253 for daily expenses alone.
$3,204 /mo
📊
Changwon sits about 14% above the global median. Within Asia, costs are 45% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.3K₩39.0M
$29.3K₩39.0M
$29.3K₩39.0M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.1K₩44.0M
$27.1K₩36.0M
$35.1K₩46.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$199₩264.0K
$148₩197.1K
$296₩394.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$36.37₩48.4K
$18.63₩24.8K
$58.1₩77.3K
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.52₩35.3K
$21.95₩29.2K
$32.91₩43.8K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$52.5₩69.8K
$26.24₩34.9K
$63.7₩84.7K
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$12.48₩16.6K
$7.79₩10.4K
$12.48₩16.6K
Cinema Ticket
$10.99₩14.6K
$10.99₩14.6K
$14.65₩19.5K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$629₩836.2K
$296₩393.5K
$962₩1.3M
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$21.9K₩29.2M
$15.0K₩20.0M
$35.2K₩46.8M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$106₩140.8K
$60.5₩80.4K
$113₩150.8K
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$64.4₩85.6K
$51.5₩68.5K
$73.6₩97.8K
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$92.8₩123.4K
$59.4₩79.0K
$111₩148.1K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$127₩168.7K
$59.7₩79.4K
$149₩198.5K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$543₩722.4K
$312₩415.3K
$543₩722.4K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$378₩502.1K
$177₩234.7K
$378₩502.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,240₩1.6M
$950₩1.3M
$1,978₩2.6M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$753₩1.0M
$564₩750.4K
$803₩1.1M
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$7,598₩10.1M
$4,354₩5.8M
$10.0K₩13.3M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$6,197₩8.2M
$2,536₩3.4M
$8,167₩10.9M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$1,705₩2.3M
-
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: October 11, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Changwon$1,538
Changwon$3,204
🛒Groceries & Markets
$483 31.4%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$378 24.6%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$261 17%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$175 11.4%
🍽Eating Out
$155 10.1%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$74 4.8%
🚌Getting Around
$11 * 0.7%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
🛒Groceries & Markets
$1.1K 35.3%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$753 23.5%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$298 9.3%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$390 12.2%
🍽Eating Out
$449 14%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$161 5%
🚌Getting Around
$23 * 0.7%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $543 for a central one-bedroom, or $378 outside the center. At 32% of the average salary ($1,705), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $1,705, while typical expenses reach $1,538. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $2,307.
🛒Expect to spend about $483 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $28.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐White bread is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia
⭐Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia
⭐Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 95% of cities in Asia
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 $1,538 including rent, or roughly $962 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
Is the cost of living in Changwon reasonable?
At around $1,538 monthly all-in, Changwon offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Changwon?
Earning $2,307 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.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Changwon?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Changwon range from $378 to $543, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is preschool in Changwon per month?
Childcare averages $629 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 should I budget for groceries in Changwon?
At about $483 monthly, food costs in Changwon sit in moderate territory. A mix of local markets and supermarkets covers most needs at fair prices, and most residents eat well without having to pinch pennies.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Changwon?
Living on $2,000 in Changwon means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,538. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What are the pros and cons of living in Changwon?
Living in Changwon means access to fast internet, low crime rates at about $1,538 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 $1,538, so putting money aside takes more than $2,307 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.