Cost of Living Comparison Between Ongjin and Chongjin Cost of Living Comparison Between Ongjin and Chongjin

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.91 $2.91

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$23.57 $23.57

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$7.89 $7.89

Cappuccino

$1.19 $1.19

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.04 $1.04

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.05 $1.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.14 $7.14

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.29 $2.29

Milk (1 liter)

$0.95 $0.95

White Bread (500g)

$1.65 $1.65

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.25 $2.25

Eggs

$3.31 $3.31

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.56 $4.56

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.24 $2.24

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.92 $5.92

Apples (1kg)

$7.10 $7.10

Banana (1kg)

$4.66 $4.66

Oranges (1kg)

$2.27 $2.27

Tomato (1kg)

$2.34 $2.34

Potato (1kg)

$3.50 $3.50

Onion (1kg)

$3.41 $3.41

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.37 $2.37

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.48 $0.48

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.58 $4.58

Wine (Bottle)

$7.97 $7.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.19 $1.19

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.29 $2.29

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.02 $1.02

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$39.98 $39.98

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.53 $1.53

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.11 $2.11

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.32 $42.32

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.78 $0.78

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$23.1K $23.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$29.4K $29.4K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$34.03 $34.03

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$11.37 $11.37

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$47.19 $47.19

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.84 $43.84

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$14.89 $14.89

Cinema Ticket

$7.94 $7.94

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$108 $108

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,188 $2,188

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$22.76 $22.76

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$28.72 $28.72

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$63.5 $63.5

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$86.1 $86.1

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$92.4 $92.4

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$90.8 $90.8

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,272 $2,272

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$141 $141

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,767 $1,767

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,467 $1,467

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$220 $220

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.11

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

Last update for Ongjin: April 26, 2026

Last update for Chongjin: April 26, 2026

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Ongjin vs Chongjin: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions

Families tend to lean toward Chongjin – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.

Both have safer and rougher neighborhoods, but overall safety is comparable to other large cities. Neighborhood choice matters more than the city-level comparison – central, well-trafficked areas feel secure in both.

If budget matters most, go with Chongjin. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Ongjin makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.