Last update: Oct 2026 South Korea 1.1M

Cost of Living in Ilsan

For one person, living costs in Ilsan are estimated at $1,444 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $28 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Ilsan

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

Living costs for one person come to about $1,444 monthly including rent, or $865 excluding housing.

$1,444 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,297 with rent, or $1,533 without housing.

$2,297 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,151 including rent, or $2,200 for daily expenses alone.

$3,151 /mo

Ilsan sits 7–12% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 36% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.30 ₩9,738
$5.84 ₩7,793
$10.95 ₩14.6K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$67.4 ₩89.9K
$52.4 ₩69.9K
$71.1 ₩94.9K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.34 ₩9,797
$6.60 ₩8,812
$7.34 ₩9,797
Cappuccino
$4.01 ₩5,355
$2.45 ₩3,265
$4.75 ₩6,335
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.61 ₩2,147
$1.45 ₩1,929
$2.28 ₩3,043
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.77 ₩1,021
$0.61 ₩817
$1.14 ₩1,524
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.79 ₩5,052
$3.02 ₩4,036
$3.79 ₩5,052
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$6.07 ₩8,098
$4.38 ₩5,846
$6.82 ₩9,102
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.08 ₩2,774
$1.50 ₩2,006
$2.63 ₩3,515
White Bread (500g)
$3.16 ₩4,212
$1.89 ₩2,527
$5.32 ₩7,093
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.23 ₩2,981
$1.59 ₩2,122
$5.83 ₩7,772
Eggs
$3.36 ₩4,482
$2.10 ₩2,806
$5.48 ₩7,315
Local Cheese (1kg)
$15.36 ₩20.5K
$5.12 ₩6,832
$36.58 ₩48.8K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.94 ₩10.6K
$5.14 ₩6,861
$15.13 ₩20.2K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.21 ₩15.0K
$11.21 ₩15.0K
$44.83 ₩59.8K
Apples (1kg)
$7.42 ₩9,894
$4.38 ₩5,848
$13.14 ₩17.5K
Banana (1kg)
$3.25 ₩4,339
$2.26 ₩3,009
$6.75 ₩9,000
Oranges (1kg)
$5.75 ₩7,675
$3.76 ₩5,014
$10.52 ₩14.0K
Tomato (1kg)
$6.08 ₩8,115
$3.05 ₩4,071
$10.18 ₩13.6K
Potato (1kg)
$3.51 ₩4,682
$1.79 ₩2,395
$5.26 ₩7,023
Onion (1kg)
$2.37 ₩3,162
$1.46 ₩1,947
$3.65 ₩4,874
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.00 ₩2,666
$1.45 ₩1,938
$4.37 ₩5,827
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.14 ₩1,525
$0.61 ₩817
$1.90 ₩2,533
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.41 ₩4,551
$3.41 ₩4,551
$4.16 ₩5,553
Wine (Bottle)
$18.73 ₩25.0K
$5.03 ₩6,714
$29.96 ₩40.0K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.23 ₩2,970
$1.48 ₩1,976
$3.71 ₩4,946
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.35 ₩4,464
$1.99 ₩2,649
$6.11 ₩8,151
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.10 ₩1,467
$0.98 ₩1,310
$1.17 ₩1,558
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$49.42 ₩65.9K
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.64 ₩4,851
$3.46 ₩4,620
$3.64 ₩4,851
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.63 ₩836
$0.59 ₩784
$0.73 ₩980
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$9.18 ₩12.2K
$9.18 ₩12.2K
$15.30 ₩20.4K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.42 ₩1,890
$1.26 ₩1,684
$1.54 ₩2,054
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.3K ₩39.1M
$27.7K ₩36.9M
$29.3K ₩39.1M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$28.3K ₩37.7M
$22.4K ₩29.9M
$35.7K ₩47.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$213 ₩284.4K
$190 ₩253.2K
$262 ₩349.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$34.95 ₩46.6K
$11.14 ₩14.9K
$66.1 ₩88.1K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$20.52 ₩27.4K
$13.76 ₩18.4K
$47.83 ₩63.8K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$52.0 ₩69.4K
$24.15 ₩32.2K
$60.2 ₩80.3K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.82 ₩15.8K
$7.39 ₩9,863
$11.82 ₩15.8K
Cinema Ticket
$11.30 ₩15.1K
$9.80 ₩13.1K
$15.07 ₩20.1K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$520 ₩694.2K
$297 ₩396.7K
$966 ₩1.3M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$17.6K ₩23.5M
$10.9K ₩14.6M
$29.7K ₩39.7M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$57.0 ₩76.0K
$36.74 ₩49.0K
$110 ₩147.1K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$32.76 ₩43.7K
$18.66 ₩24.9K
$89.5 ₩119.4K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$69.9 ₩93.3K
$44.73 ₩59.7K
$112 ₩149.2K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$83.0 ₩110.7K
$37.55 ₩50.1K
$150 ₩200.4K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$482 ₩643.0K
$279 ₩372.7K
$482 ₩643.0K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$365 ₩486.9K
$170 ₩227.3K
$365 ₩486.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,166 ₩1.6M
$893 ₩1.2M
$1,860 ₩2.5M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$738 ₩985.3K
$554 ₩739.0K
$792 ₩1.1M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$7,213 ₩9.6M
$4,125 ₩5.5M
$9,541 ₩12.7M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$5,518 ₩7.4M
$2,251 ₩3.0M
$7,284 ₩9.7M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,453 ₩4.6M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.1
3.7
4.5

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.
Ilsan $1,444
Groceries & Markets
$396
Accommodation & Living
$365
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$269
Eating Out
$169
Clothing & Footwear
$109
Sport & Entertainment
$75
Getting Around
$61

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $482 for a central one-bedroom, or $365 outside the center. At 14% of the average salary ($3,453), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,453, while typical expenses reach $1,444. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $396 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $67.0 for two – above the Asian average of $36.00.

Public transport is priced at around $49.42 per month – above the Asian average of $33.00.

Cost Highlights

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

Average monthly net salary is higher than 96% of cities in Asia

Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
00:52 12:52 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
1,061,752
💱 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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Ilsan Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Ilsan - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ilsan compare in overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Ilsan, South Korea offers a balance between quiet neighborhoods and fast access to the capital’s energy, making it appealing for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want a stable base. You’ll encounter a range of housing options, often with value in mid-town districts and nearby suburban pockets. Daily costs for groceries, casual meals, and transport tend to be predictable when you plan around crowd-free hours and weekend markets. Seasons influence outings and grocery choices, but transit remains reliable. Tip: test a few neighborhoods for vibe and commute times during different times of day.
What does daily life look like in Ilsan in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Housing search starts with location near transit lines and major centers; expect a mix of studios and larger flats, with variations by neighborhood. Food options range from traditional markets to casual eateries, plus plenty of affordable groceries if you cook at home. For transport, reliable trains and buses connect you to Seoul and beyond, with cycling also practical in many areas. Errands are simple thanks to well-stocked supermarkets and neighborhood shops. Ilsan, South Korea living cost tends to reflect neighborhood choice and transit proximity, so compare a few blocks and note commute times. Tip: bring copies of your lease terms and ask about utilities in advance.
What factors contribute to quality of life in Ilsan, and what budgeting tips and neighborhood considerations help you settle in?
Quality of life in Ilsan is boosted by safe streets, parks, and easy access to Seoul-like amenities without the density. Build a budgeting framework that isolates housing, groceries, transport, and personal spending; adjust as you explore neighborhoods and seasons. Practical savings include cooking at home, shopping at local markets, sharing coworking spaces, and taking advantage of off-peak transit or multi-day passes if available. Seasonal patterns influence heating, cooling, and outdoor activities, so tailor your wardrobe and energy use accordingly. To pick a neighborhood that fits, consider proximity to a lakefront or green space, quiet side streets, and a dependable coffee scene. Tip: map out a two-week trial in your top areas.
How much does it cost to live in Ilsan per month?
Plan for roughly $1,444 a month in Ilsan if you're renting, or around $865 for non-housing expenses. That covers one person's basics: food, bills, getting around, and a modest social life. Couples and families will need more, especially for housing and childcare.
How much does it cost to live in Ilsan in 2026?
As of 2026, monthly living costs in Ilsan come to around $1,444 including rent, or roughly $865 excluding it. Numbers shift a bit by season and neighborhood, but this range works well as a planning baseline.
How much should you earn to live well in Ilsan?
Earning $2,165 monthly in Ilsan 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 price of renting a flat in Ilsan?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Ilsan range from $365 to $482, 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.
What does commuting cost in Ilsan?
A monthly transit pass in Ilsan goes for roughly $49.42, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Ilsan?
Childcare averages $520 monthly at a private kindergarten in Ilsan. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $1,500 a month enough for Ilsan?
Living on $1,500 in Ilsan means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,444. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Is Ilsan a good base for remote workers?
Ilsan draws remote workers with fast internet, low crime rates, and at around $1,444 per month all-in, the price-to-lifestyle ratio is hard to beat. A growing international community makes networking and social life easy for newcomers.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Ilsan?
Monthly expenses in Ilsan run around $1,444, so putting money aside takes more than $2,165 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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