Cost of Living in Cheonan - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,274 per month with rent, or $815 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $1,957 per month with rent, or $1,396 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $2,640 per month with rent, or $1,977 without housing.

Overall, Cheonan is about 7% below the global median. Within Asia, costs are 22% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Cheonan? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$5.71 ₩8,745
$4.28 ₩6,559
$8.56 ₩13.1K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$21.99 ₩33.7K
$18.33 ₩28.1K
$73.3 ₩112.3K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.84 ₩7,420
$4.31 ₩6,597
$6.53 ₩10.0K
Cappuccino
$2.14 ₩3,283
$1.43 ₩2,194
$4.66 ₩7,133
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.20 ₩1,845
$0.98 ₩1,501
$2.62 ₩4,019
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.48 ₩735
$0.36 ₩544
$2.11 ₩3,236
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.55 ₩3,900
$1.82 ₩2,792
$4.37 ₩6,692
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.72 ₩5,696
$3.72 ₩5,696
$6.70 ₩10.3K
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.50 ₩2,295
$1.45 ₩2,219
$2.53 ₩3,880
White Bread (500g)
$3.52 ₩5,387
$1.83 ₩2,808
$5.12 ₩7,844
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.03 ₩4,644
$1.83 ₩2,802
$3.65 ₩5,588
Eggs
$1.73 ₩2,647
$1.73 ₩2,647
$3.72 ₩5,700
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.60 ₩16.2K
$7.44 ₩11.4K
$14.87 ₩22.8K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.33 ₩12.8K
$4.47 ₩6,843
$11.91 ₩18.2K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.97 ₩18.3K
$11.97 ₩18.3K
$37.40 ₩57.3K
Apples (1kg)
$7.33 ₩11.2K
$2.20 ₩3,363
$12.46 ₩19.1K
Banana (1kg)
$2.50 ₩3,825
$2.50 ₩3,825
$3.57 ₩5,462
Oranges (1kg)
$5.57 ₩8,541
$5.36 ₩8,213
$8.58 ₩13.1K
Tomato (1kg)
$5.31 ₩8,144
$2.22 ₩3,406
$7.43 ₩11.4K
Potato (1kg)
$4.99 ₩7,651
$2.14 ₩3,275
$7.14 ₩10.9K
Onion (1kg)
$2.95 ₩4,527
$0.72 ₩1,109
$5.10 ₩7,809
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.92 ₩1,411
$0.92 ₩1,411
$3.84 ₩5,885
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.06 ₩1,619
$0.30 ₩456
$1.89 ₩2,892
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.29 ₩5,034
$3.29 ₩5,034
$3.64 ₩5,582
Wine (Bottle)
$16.68 ₩25.6K
$6.00 ₩9,193
$33.35 ₩51.1K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.77 ₩2,709
$1.13 ₩1,733
$3.77 ₩5,780
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.50 ₩2,296
$1.50 ₩2,296
$5.24 ₩8,028
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.12 ₩1,712
$0.98 ₩1,508
$1.13 ₩1,728
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.96 ₩4,528
$2.80 ₩4,297
$5.69 ₩8,717
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.84 ₩1,289
$0.70 ₩1,069
$1.68 ₩2,579
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$16.77 ₩25.7K
$14.91 ₩22.8K
$18.64 ₩28.6K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.16 ₩1,780
$1.11 ₩1,705
$1.34 ₩2,049
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.8K ₩42.5M
$27.8K ₩42.5M
$27.8K ₩42.5M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.3K ₩38.7M
$25.3K ₩38.7M
$25.3K ₩38.7M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$141 ₩215.5K
$134 ₩205.4K
$294 ₩451.1K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$50.6 ₩77.5K
$24.34 ₩37.3K
$57.5 ₩88.1K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$9.97 ₩15.3K
$8.06 ₩12.4K
$33.44 ₩51.2K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$48.28 ₩74.0K
$22.28 ₩34.1K
$57.2 ₩87.6K
Cinema Ticket
$7.57 ₩11.6K
$7.57 ₩11.6K
$15.12 ₩23.2K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$492 ₩754.0K
$221 ₩339.3K
$960 ₩1.5M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$14.1K ₩21.6M
$13.5K ₩20.7M
$32.5K ₩49.8M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$102 ₩156.0K
$58.2 ₩89.2K
$109 ₩167.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$48.01 ₩73.6K
$22.26 ₩34.1K
$74.2 ₩113.7K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$74.2 ₩113.7K
$59.4 ₩91.0K
$111 ₩170.5K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$110 ₩168.5K
$58.7 ₩89.9K
$147 ₩224.7K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$453 ₩693.8K
$360 ₩552.2K
$501 ₩767.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$378 ₩578.7K
$258 ₩395.7K
$443 ₩678.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,072 ₩1.6M
$739 ₩1.1M
$1,220 ₩1.9M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$774 ₩1.2M
$482 ₩738.7K
$1,113 ₩1.7M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$9,773 ₩15.0M
$3,625 ₩5.6M
$9,773 ₩15.0M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,779 ₩8.9M
$2,020 ₩3.1M
$6,672 ₩10.2M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,579 ₩2.4M
-
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: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $453, dropping to $378 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 29% of the average salary ($1,579) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,579. With monthly costs around $1,274, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,910.

Groceries cost around $362 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $22.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.

Cost Highlights

Cheonan has the 6th most expensive white bread in Asia

Imported beer is cheaper than 93% of cities in Asia

Rice is more expensive than 92% of cities in Asia

Cheonan 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
City tags:
Cost of Living in Cheonan - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheonan a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads when you compare it to Seoul or Busan?
Cheonan offers a balanced mix of affordability and everyday convenience. The Cost of Living in Cheonan, South Korea tends to be lower than in megacities while still delivering solid infrastructure, reliable transit, and a growing cafe and dining scene. You'll find affordable housing options with choices between compact apartments near the center and quieter flats on the outskirts. Seasonal markets and cooking at home can stretch your budget without sacrificing quality. It's a practical base if you want proximity to Seoul without the premium. Tip: start with a short-term rental to test neighborhoods and commute times.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and errands in Cheonan?
In daily life in Cheonan you'll find a practical mix: housing ranges from compact studios to larger flats, often with easy access to parks and campuses. Groceries come from local markets, with affordable staples and occasional international options nearby. Dining out is convenient, with inexpensive meals and varied menus close to the city center. Transport is reliable and affordable, with buses and rail links that keep you connected regionally. Co-working spaces are centered around the city core and university districts, perfect for remote work or a creative break between errands. Cheonan, South Korea living cost varies by area, so scout a few neighborhoods before settling. Tip: use short-term leases to test neighborhoods and commute times.
How can you evaluate quality of life, budgeting, seasonality, and neighborhood fit to maximize return on time in Cheonan?
Quality of life in Cheonan comes from a steady rhythm, approachable amenities, and easy access to outdoor spaces. Build a budgeting framework by grouping costs into housing, utilities, groceries, and transport, then adjust for seasons when heating or cooling is needed. Neighborhood fit matters: central districts offer nightlife and cafes, while riverside or quieter residential belts emphasize walks and parks. Practical saving tips include cooking at home, taking public transit, and taking advantage of free community events and seasonal markets. Tip: map a quick one-week tryout across two or three neighborhoods to feel daily rhythms before committing.
Is Cheonan expensive to live in?
Cheonan sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $1,274, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Cheonan?
Housing in Cheonan takes a heavy bite – about 29% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Cheonan?
You'll want at least $1,910 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Cheonan. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Cheonan?
In Cheonan's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $453 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $378. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Cheonan?
Grocery spending in Cheonan lands around $362 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
What is a typical grocery budget in Cheonan?
Groceries in Cheonan run about $362 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Cheonan?
$1,000 is below the $1,274 average in Cheonan, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Can you retire comfortably in Cheonan?
Cheonan makes a good retirement base. About $1,910 per month covers housing, healthcare, and everyday needs with enough left for some leisure and travel. It strikes a nice balance between cost and comfort.
How affordable is Cheonan?
Cheonan is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,274, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

Cheonan vs other spots: cost of living compared

Nearby cities

Similar cities