Last update: Oct 2026 South Korea 110.4K

Cost of Living in Gongju

For one person, living costs in Gongju are estimated at $1,539 a month, including rent and utilities, which take about a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $32 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Gongju

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Gongju actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,539 per month with rent, or $977 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,539 /mo

A couple spends around $2,437 per month with rent, or $1,679 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,437 /mo

A family of three spends around $3,335 per month with rent, or $2,380 without housing.

$3,335 /mo

Overall, Gongju is 14–18% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 45% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Gongju? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.29 ₩9,697
$5.84 ₩7,760
$9.48 ₩12.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$48.03 ₩63.9K
$36.94 ₩49.1K
$54.5 ₩72.4K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.54 ₩8,700
$5.88 ₩7,822
$6.69 ₩8,896
Cappuccino
$3.77 ₩5,015
$2.68 ₩3,566
$4.98 ₩6,627
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.85 ₩2,461
$1.52 ₩2,015
$3.03 ₩4,029
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.44 ₩1,918
$0.76 ₩1,013
$2.28 ₩3,025
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.84 ₩5,104
$1.91 ₩2,545
$4.61 ₩6,130
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.30 ₩5,721
$2.99 ₩3,974
$6.73 ₩8,948
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.26 ₩3,004
$1.62 ₩2,151
$2.57 ₩3,424
White Bread (500g)
$3.19 ₩4,246
$1.87 ₩2,491
$5.26 ₩6,992
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.16 ₩4,197
$1.88 ₩2,502
$3.77 ₩5,018
Eggs
$2.74 ₩3,641
$2.31 ₩3,066
$4.61 ₩6,132
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.89 ₩14.5K
$9.61 ₩12.8K
$11.08 ₩14.7K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.47 ₩13.9K
$5.99 ₩7,958
$11.96 ₩15.9K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$24.73 ₩32.9K
$18.55 ₩24.7K
$33.38 ₩44.4K
Apples (1kg)
$11.31 ₩15.0K
$7.54 ₩10.0K
$12.82 ₩17.0K
Banana (1kg)
$3.61 ₩4,803
$2.96 ₩3,932
$3.70 ₩4,921
Oranges (1kg)
$8.27 ₩11.0K
$5.71 ₩7,586
$11.42 ₩15.2K
Tomato (1kg)
$5.95 ₩7,908
$2.25 ₩2,987
$7.48 ₩9,949
Potato (1kg)
$6.11 ₩8,120
$2.29 ₩3,047
$7.63 ₩10.1K
Onion (1kg)
$3.22 ₩4,283
$0.73 ₩968
$5.06 ₩6,734
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.83 ₩3,766
$1.13 ₩1,507
$3.77 ₩5,017
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.28 ₩1,704
$0.29 ₩390
$1.82 ₩2,420
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.28 ₩4,357
$3.28 ₩4,357
$3.28 ₩4,357
Wine (Bottle)
$18.67 ₩24.8K
$6.72 ₩8,932
$37.33 ₩49.6K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.38 ₩3,166
$1.47 ₩1,957
$3.68 ₩4,900
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.53 ₩4,700
$2.30 ₩3,051
$5.35 ₩7,111
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.14 ₩1,513
$1.02 ₩1,351
$1.21 ₩1,608
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.67 ₩4,884
$2.90 ₩3,861
$5.89 ₩7,831
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.73 ₩967
$0.54 ₩722
$1.74 ₩2,308
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$17.08 ₩22.7K
$15.19 ₩20.2K
$18.99 ₩25.2K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.37 ₩1,819
$1.22 ₩1,621
$1.49 ₩1,977
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.5K ₩39.3M
$29.5K ₩39.3M
$29.5K ₩39.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$33.3K ₩44.3M
$27.3K ₩36.3M
$35.3K ₩47.0M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$197 ₩262.1K
$147 ₩195.7K
$294 ₩391.3K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$36.42 ₩48.4K
$18.66 ₩24.8K
$58.2 ₩77.4K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.72 ₩35.5K
$22.12 ₩29.4K
$33.17 ₩44.1K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$51.9 ₩69.0K
$24.09 ₩32.0K
$60.0 ₩79.8K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$12.00 ₩16.0K
$7.51 ₩9,980
$12.00 ₩16.0K
Cinema Ticket
$11.80 ₩15.7K
$11.07 ₩14.7K
$14.76 ₩19.6K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$624 ₩830.3K
$294 ₩390.7K
$955 ₩1.3M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$21.6K ₩28.7M
$14.8K ₩19.7M
$34.7K ₩46.1M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$104 ₩137.8K
$59.2 ₩78.7K
$111 ₩147.6K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$66.4 ₩88.3K
$53.1 ₩70.6K
$75.9 ₩100.9K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$94.7 ₩125.9K
$60.6 ₩80.6K
$114 ₩151.1K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$127 ₩168.5K
$59.6 ₩79.3K
$149 ₩198.2K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$489 ₩650.1K
$283 ₩376.8K
$489 ₩650.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$364 ₩484.6K
$170 ₩226.2K
$364 ₩484.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,153 ₩1.5M
$883 ₩1.2M
$1,839 ₩2.4M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$757 ₩1.0M
$568 ₩755.1K
$812 ₩1.1M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$7,239 ₩9.6M
$4,139 ₩5.5M
$9,574 ₩12.7M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,410 ₩7.2M
$2,207 ₩2.9M
$7,142 ₩9.5M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,309 ₩1.7M
-
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.
Gongju $1,539
Groceries & Markets
$486
Accommodation & Living
$364
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$260
Clothing & Footwear
$176
Eating Out
$164
Sport & Entertainment
$75
Getting Around
$12 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $489, dropping to $364 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 37% of the average salary ($1,309) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,309 – below monthly costs of $1,539. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $486 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $48.00 – above the Asian average of $36.00.

Cost Highlights

White bread is more expensive than 97% of cities in Asia

Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

Monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
00:53 12:53 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
110,428
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to KRW – South Korean Won Converter

South Korean Won exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 1,330 KRW (10,000 KRW = 7.52 USD). 1 EUR = 1,495 KRW (10,000 KRW = 6.69 EUR).

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Gongju Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Gongju - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gongju compare in terms of affordability, and who tends to find it good value for a stay?
Gongju offers a gentler tempo than Korea's bigger cities, with a vibe that suits travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want reliability without a sky-high price tag. Its mix of historic sites, a university presence, and nearby nature creates practical balance between work-friendly spaces and leisure. For many, Cost of Living in Gongju, South Korea can feel approachable when you choose mid-range housing, shop at local markets, and use public transport or a bike for daily trips. You will notice smaller dining bills at neighborhood eateries and easier-to-sustain routines than in megacities. Tip: map your week to test routines before committing to a neighborhood.
What does daily life look like in Gongju, in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and coworking or errands?
Daily life centers on practical routines: simple apartments or share houses near the university district, local markets for fresh produce, casual eateries, and reliable buses. For errands and coworking, you will find small libraries, cafes with decent Wi-Fi, and community spaces that welcome hourly or daily passes. Transportation is flexible: buses cover town routes, with bike lanes and walkable cores for short hops. Gongju, South Korea living cost tends to be manageable if you rotate shopping between traditional markets and larger supermarkets, and you plan a mixed approach to meals. Tip: reserve a few hours to visit different neighborhoods and gauge commute times before choosing a base.
What factors influence quality of life and how can you budget effectively, including seasonality and neighborhood fit?
In Gongju, quality of life centers on balance: a predictable pace, safe streets, and access to parks and historic sites. A simple budgeting framework helps: allocate housing, groceries, transit, and leisure, then add a buffer for occasional trips or coworking days. Save by cooking at home, using local markets, and taking advantage of student or public library resources. Seasonality matters: summers are hot and humid, winters cooler; plan wardrobe and energy use accordingly. Neighborhood fit matters too: the historic core offers walkability and nightlife nearby, while newer districts may give quieter mornings. Tip: choose a base with easy transit links to key sites and coworking options.
Is Gongju affordable on an average income?
Gongju sits squarely in the middle of the price spectrum – not cheap, not expensive. Monthly costs with rent tend to hover around $1,539, which most working professionals can handle without feeling financially squeezed.
Is rent in Gongju too high relative to local incomes?
Housing in Gongju takes a heavy bite – about 37% 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.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Gongju?
In Gongju, $2,308 per month is what most people would call a good salary. It handles rent, food, and utilities with enough left for savings and the occasional splurge. Above that, you unlock better apartments and more freedom with spending.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Gongju?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Gongju runs about $489 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $364. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
What should I budget for groceries in Gongju?
Grocery spending in Gongju lands around $486 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.
Is food shopping expensive in Gongju?
Groceries in Gongju run about $486 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.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Gongju?
$2,000 is below the $1,539 average in Gongju, 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.
What makes Gongju attractive for retirement?
Gongju makes a good retirement base. About $2,308 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.
Is Gongju affordable for the average person?
Gongju is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,539, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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