Cost of Living in North Korea - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: North Korea
Address: KP

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $673 (excluding rent), and $822 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,456 (excluding rent), and $1,748 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$2.92 $2.92

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$23.62 $23.62

$23.38 $23.38

$23.63 $23.63

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.85 $12.85

$8.09 $8.09

$17.60 $17.60

Cappuccino

$1.14 $1.14

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

$2.25 $2.25

$1.14 $1.14

$3.42 $3.42

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.19 $1.19

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$13.73 $13.73

$6.86 $6.86

$14.09 $14.09

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.97 $2.97

$2.37 $2.37

$3.56 $3.56

Milk (1 liter)

$0.94 $0.94

$0.82 $0.82

$0.95 $0.95

White Bread (500g)

$2.12 $2.12

$1.61 $1.61

$3.09 $3.09

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.67 $1.67

$0.98 $0.98

$2.35 $2.35

Eggs

$2.41 $2.41

$1.38 $1.38

$3.19 $3.19

Local Cheese (1kg)

$4.59 $4.59

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.36 $2.36

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$5.74 $5.74

Apples (1kg)

$6.86 $6.86

Banana (1kg)

$4.67 $4.67

Oranges (1kg)

$2.30 $2.30

Tomato (1kg)

$2.28 $2.28

Potato (1kg)

$3.57 $3.57

Onion (1kg)

$3.55 $3.55

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.32 $2.32

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.44 $0.44

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$4.69 $4.69

Wine (Bottle)

$8.15 $8.15

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.14 $1.14

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.36 $2.36

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.06 $1.06

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.31 $40.31

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.58 $1.58

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.10 $2.10

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$41.18 $41.18

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.72 $0.72

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

$23.5K $23.5K

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

$28.4K $28.4K

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

$34.07 $34.07

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

$11.55 $11.55

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$45.59 $45.59

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.05 $44.05

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$15.30 $15.30

Cinema Ticket

$8.29 $8.29

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

$110 $110

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$2,185 $2,185

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$23.02 $23.02

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$29.29 $29.29

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$64.8 $64.8

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$85.5 $85.5

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$96.8 $96.8

$90.8 $90.8

$109 $109

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$108 $108

$92.4 $92.4

$139 $139

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,445 $1,445

$613 $613

$2,278 $2,278

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$212 $212

$136 $136

$364 $364

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,772 $1,772

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,423 $1,423

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$239 $239

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

7.11

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

Last update: January 12, 2026

By City in North Korea

Lowest

Highest

Rank	City	Population	Living Index	Solo costs (no rent) / month	Solo costs (with rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (no rent) / month	Family of 3 costs (with rent) / month	Mobile download speed (Mbps)	Internet download speed (Mbps)
1	Chongjin	667929						-	-
2	Hamhung	768551						-	-
3	Kaechon	319554						-	-
4	Kaesong	308000						272.06	179.25
5	Nampo	983660						-	-
6	Ongjin	152878	37	$584	$734	$1,232	$1,535	-	-
7	Pyongyang	3255288	12	$138	$245	$404	$529	-	26.09
8	Sariwon	307764						-	-
9	Sinuiju	359341						111.5	332.76
10	Tanchon	345875						-	-
11	Wonsan	363127						-	-

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in North Korea - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with many destinations, Cost of Living in North Korea tends to feel distinct: basic needs are met through state channels, while access to imported goods is limited, which can shift value depending on your expectations. For travelers with organized schedules and supported housing, costs can feel predictable and manageable, especially when meals and essentials are arranged through official programs. For long-term stays, value often comes from stable accommodations and guided services, rather than casual shopping. You will notice that logistics and permitted purchases influence perceived affordability more than sticker prices alone. Tip: Build a simple daily routine and book through approved providers to keep budgeting realistic.

Daily life for foreigners usually centers on official arrangements: housing is often provided by employers or arranged through approved housing services, with limited private rentals. Food options revolve around state-run stores and licensed markets; Western ingredients may be scarce, so you plan around seasonal produce and traditional dishes. Transport tends to rely on public systems and organized tours; self-driving is restricted. For errands, expect slower service and a preference for planned trips. North Korea living cost is shaped by what is officially available and the programs you join; budgeting means understanding what is accessible and building routines around that. Tip: map out a weekly route to minimize trips and maximize essential purchases.

Quality of life in this context is about pace, structure, and access. Create a simple budgeting framework: fixed essentials (housing, meals through approved channels) and flexible spends (short trips, cultural experiences). Track non-money aspects like time and access to services, which vary with season and official schedules. To find the right fit, consider neighborhoods that are designated for foreigners or are connected to your host organization; spend a few days in each area to gauge convenience, safety, and social vibe. Saving tips include cooking at home when possible, leveraging group activities, and planning trips during designated windows. Tip: keep a routine that aligns with official hours and local calendars.