Last update: Oct 2026 South Korea 258.2K

Cost of Living in Gyeongju

For one person, living costs in Gyeongju are estimated at $1,228 a month, including rent and utilities – 22% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Gyeongju

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

A single person spends around $1,228 per month with rent, or $782 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,228 /mo

A couple spends around $1,988 per month with rent, or $1,359 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,988 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,748 per month with rent, or $1,936 without housing.

$2,748 /mo

Overall, Gyeongju is 3–9% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 16% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Gyeongju? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.61 ₩10.2K
$6.09 ₩8,130
$9.90 ₩13.2K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$48.01 ₩64.1K
$36.93 ₩49.3K
$55.4 ₩73.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$6.51 ₩8,683
$5.85 ₩7,807
$6.65 ₩8,879
Cappuccino
$3.02 ₩4,026
$2.64 ₩3,526
$4.91 ₩6,552
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.10 ₩1,462
$1.10 ₩1,462
$2.92 ₩3,890
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.35 ₩471
$0.35 ₩471
$2.14 ₩2,851
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$2.59 ₩3,454
$1.84 ₩2,461
$4.44 ₩5,928
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.34 ₩5,784
$3.01 ₩4,018
$6.78 ₩9,047
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.31 ₩3,084
$1.66 ₩2,209
$3.01 ₩4,013
White Bread (500g)
$2.47 ₩3,291
$1.84 ₩2,449
$5.15 ₩6,872
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.13 ₩4,178
$1.87 ₩2,491
$5.24 ₩6,990
Eggs
$2.60 ₩3,463
$2.19 ₩2,916
$4.37 ₩5,832
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.06 ₩14.8K
$9.75 ₩13.0K
$11.25 ₩15.0K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.33 ₩13.8K
$5.90 ₩7,878
$11.80 ₩15.7K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.49 ₩24.7K
$18.49 ₩24.7K
$33.28 ₩44.4K
Apples (1kg)
$4.50 ₩6,006
$4.50 ₩6,006
$12.74 ₩17.0K
Banana (1kg)
$2.57 ₩3,423
$2.57 ₩3,423
$3.67 ₩4,892
Oranges (1kg)
$3.82 ₩5,093
$3.82 ₩5,093
$11.45 ₩15.3K
Tomato (1kg)
$3.67 ₩4,895
$2.20 ₩2,940
$7.34 ₩9,791
Potato (1kg)
$2.56 ₩3,410
$2.19 ₩2,927
$7.31 ₩9,747
Onion (1kg)
$2.18 ₩2,907
$0.73 ₩973
$5.08 ₩6,774
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.19 ₩2,927
$1.10 ₩1,463
$3.65 ₩4,873
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.33 ₩1,772
$0.30 ₩406
$1.89 ₩2,516
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.44 ₩4,587
$3.44 ₩4,587
$3.44 ₩4,587
Wine (Bottle)
$14.77 ₩19.7K
$6.64 ₩8,864
$36.92 ₩49.3K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.14 ₩1,520
$1.14 ₩1,520
$3.79 ₩5,063
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.22 ₩2,959
$2.22 ₩2,959
$5.17 ₩6,896
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.06 ₩1,414
$0.99 ₩1,319
$1.14 ₩1,523
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.93 ₩3,908
$2.78 ₩3,712
$5.64 ₩7,528
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.79 ₩1,050
$0.59 ₩784
$1.88 ₩2,505
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$16.57 ₩22.1K
$14.74 ₩19.7K
$18.42 ₩24.6K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.02 ₩1,359
$1.02 ₩1,359
$1.47 ₩1,960
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.6K ₩39.4M
$29.6K ₩39.4M
$29.6K ₩39.4M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$34.0K ₩45.4M
$27.9K ₩37.2M
$36.1K ₩48.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$80.6 ₩107.5K
$80.6 ₩107.5K
$303 ₩404.6K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$36.83 ₩49.1K
$18.87 ₩25.2K
$58.9 ₩78.5K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$27.20 ₩36.3K
$22.51 ₩30.0K
$33.76 ₩45.0K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$52.1 ₩69.5K
$24.20 ₩32.3K
$60.3 ₩80.5K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.96 ₩16.0K
$7.48 ₩9,975
$11.96 ₩16.0K
Cinema Ticket
$11.04 ₩14.7K
$11.04 ₩14.7K
$14.72 ₩19.6K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$639 ₩852.8K
$301 ₩401.3K
$978 ₩1.3M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$22.2K ₩29.6M
$15.2K ₩20.3M
$35.6K ₩47.6M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$45.34 ₩60.5K
$45.34 ₩60.5K
$113 ₩151.2K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$22.41 ₩29.9K
$22.41 ₩29.9K
$74.7 ₩99.7K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$91.7 ₩122.3K
$58.7 ₩78.3K
$110 ₩146.8K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$128 ₩171.4K
$60.5 ₩80.7K
$151 ₩201.6K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$478 ₩638.1K
$277 ₩369.9K
$478 ₩638.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$366 ₩488.4K
$171 ₩228.0K
$366 ₩488.4K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,163 ₩1.6M
$891 ₩1.2M
$1,855 ₩2.5M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$732 ₩976.1K
$549 ₩732.1K
$785 ₩1.0M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$7,249 ₩9.7M
$4,145 ₩5.5M
$9,588 ₩12.8M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,416 ₩7.2M
$2,210 ₩2.9M
$7,149 ₩9.5M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,841 ₩2.5M
-
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 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Gyeongju $1,228
Accommodation & Living
$366
Groceries & Markets
$359
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$145
Eating Out
$144
Clothing & Footwear
$130
Sport & Entertainment
$74
Getting Around
$11 *

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 $478, dropping to $366 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 26% of the average salary ($1,841) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,841. With monthly costs around $1,228, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $1,843.

Groceries cost around $359 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 95% of cities in Asia

Milk is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia

Chicken fillets is more expensive than 93% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
23:24 11:24 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
258,156
💱 Currency
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USD, EUR to KRW – South Korean Won Converter

South Korean Won exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 1,334 KRW (10,000 KRW = 7.5 USD). 1 EUR = 1,500 KRW (10,000 KRW = 6.67 EUR).

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Gyeongju Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Gyeongju - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gyeongju compare in terms of overall affordability, and who tends to find it good value for longer stays?
Gyeongju offers a calm, historic setting with a gentler price tag than Korea's big metropolises. You will find comfortable dining, groceries, and basic services without the premium of Seoul or Busan. The city offers a mix of modern apartments, guesthouses, and traditional hanok stays, often at reasonable monthly rates for longer visits. Cost of Living in Gyeongju, South Korea is approachable for many travelers, expats, and digital nomads who seek reliability without the crowds. Transport is generally efficient and neighborhoods vary in pace, letting you balance quiet mornings with easy access to heritage sites. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to calibrate costs and seasonal swings.
What does daily life look like in Gyeongju, in terms of housing search, food options, transport, coworking spaces, and errands?
In Gyeongju, South Korea living cost, expect markets, casual eateries, and a spectrum of housing options from guesthouses to small apartments. In central areas you can walk to markets and temples; outside you will find quieter streets and steadier rents. Food runs from street snacks at Jungang Market to reliable cafes and casual restaurants with familiar fare. Transport is efficient and affordable, with a solid bus network and a train link toward larger cities; cycling is practical in many neighborhoods. Co-working spaces exist alongside cafes with reliable Wi-Fi, perfect for digital work. Tip: check weekday mornings for rental listings to compare prices.
How can you maximize quality of life and budget in Gyeongju, and what should you consider when choosing a neighborhood?
Gyeongju offers a compact, walkable mix of ancient sites, parks, and cafes that slow travel into a comfy routine. A practical budgeting framework is to divide your month into housing, food, transport, and activities, then track changes with the seasons. Save by shopping at markets, cooking at home, and choosing guesthouses or small apartments with reliable internet. Seasonal events bring crowds and price shifts around temples and festivals, so aim for shoulder seasons for quieter streets and smoother planning. Neighborhood fit often means proximity to transit lines, central sights, and library or cafe hubs you will actually use. Tip: map daily routes and test two neighborhoods before signing a lease.
How much does it cost to live in Gyeongju in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Gyeongju should plan on about $1,228 per month with rent, or $782 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Does Gyeongju offer good value for money?
Gyeongju is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,228. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Gyeongju?
You'll want at least $1,843 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Gyeongju. 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.
What is the average rent for an apartment in Gyeongju?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Gyeongju runs about $478 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $366. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How much does eating cost in Gyeongju?
Grocery spending in Gyeongju lands around $359 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.
How much should I budget for food per month in Gyeongju?
Groceries in Gyeongju run about $359 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.
Is $1,500 a month enough for Gyeongju?
$1,500 is below the $1,228 average in Gyeongju, 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 is quality of life like in Gyeongju?
Quality of life in Gyeongju is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, and monthly costs hover around $1,228. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Gyeongju a cheap city to live in?
Gyeongju is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,228, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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