Last update: Oct 2026 South Korea 1.2M

Cost of Living in Suwon

For one person, living costs in Suwon are estimated at $1,372 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $27 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Suwon

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

A single person spends around $1,372 per month with rent, or $834 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,372 /mo

A couple spends around $2,163 per month with rent, or $1,392 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,163 /mo

A family of three spends around $2,954 per month with rent, or $1,950 without housing.

$2,954 /mo

Overall, Suwon is 1–4% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 29% above average – pricier than most cities in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Suwon? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.06 ₩8,036
$4.54 ₩6,027
$11.35 ₩15.1K
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$29.93 ₩39.7K
$19.46 ₩25.8K
$56.1 ₩74.5K
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.65 ₩10.2K
$5.35 ₩7,101
$9.94 ₩13.2K
Cappuccino
$3.41 ₩4,526
$2.51 ₩3,328
$4.16 ₩5,525
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.57 ₩2,079
$1.41 ₩1,870
$2.23 ₩2,955
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.59 ₩782
$0.39 ₩513
$1.09 ₩1,449
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.83 ₩5,084
$1.92 ₩2,549
$4.60 ₩6,109
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.77 ₩6,325
$3.66 ₩4,857
$5.86 ₩7,781
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.60 ₩3,456
$1.49 ₩1,977
$4.45 ₩5,904
White Bread (500g)
$2.60 ₩3,446
$1.49 ₩1,971
$3.71 ₩4,922
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.36 ₩4,464
$2.28 ₩3,021
$3.80 ₩5,039
Eggs
$3.17 ₩4,206
$2.38 ₩3,158
$3.57 ₩4,743
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.15 ₩14.8K
$5.20 ₩6,904
$26.04 ₩34.5K
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.64 ₩15.4K
$10.65 ₩14.1K
$12.63 ₩16.8K
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$11.39 ₩15.1K
$11.39 ₩15.1K
$12.31 ₩16.3K
Apples (1kg)
$6.22 ₩8,254
$3.73 ₩4,947
$7.47 ₩9,907
Banana (1kg)
$2.93 ₩3,885
$2.25 ₩2,987
$4.51 ₩5,987
Oranges (1kg)
$5.30 ₩7,029
$4.42 ₩5,864
$6.32 ₩8,388
Tomato (1kg)
$4.40 ₩5,845
$2.68 ₩3,555
$10.73 ₩14.2K
Potato (1kg)
$3.47 ₩4,600
$2.97 ₩3,946
$9.30 ₩12.3K
Onion (1kg)
$2.74 ₩3,632
$2.39 ₩3,172
$3.08 ₩4,093
Lettuce (1 head)
$4.94 ₩6,553
$2.28 ₩3,022
$7.59 ₩10.1K
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.36 ₩1,803
$0.40 ₩529
$1.54 ₩2,047
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$3.73 ₩4,950
$3.36 ₩4,464
$3.73 ₩4,950
Wine (Bottle)
$13.45 ₩17.8K
$4.92 ₩6,524
$22.27 ₩29.6K
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.53 ₩3,359
$1.64 ₩2,170
$3.35 ₩4,444
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.86 ₩5,117
$2.31 ₩3,068
$5.40 ₩7,167
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.24 ₩1,641
$1.24 ₩1,641
$1.49 ₩1,983
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$48.67 ₩64.6K
$47.53 ₩63.1K
$49.83 ₩66.1K
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.88 ₩3,822
$2.88 ₩3,822
$3.78 ₩5,021
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.63 ₩834
$0.59 ₩782
$0.98 ₩1,303
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$8.98 ₩11.9K
$8.70 ₩11.5K
$8.98 ₩11.9K
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.32 ₩1,753
$1.21 ₩1,611
$1.48 ₩1,959
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.7K ₩38.1M
$28.7K ₩38.1M
$29.2K ₩38.8M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.2K ₩33.5M
$14.0K ₩18.6M
$36.4K ₩48.3M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$186 ₩246.4K
$134 ₩177.6K
$237 ₩314.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$18.20 ₩24.2K
$11.25 ₩14.9K
$51.8 ₩68.7K
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$17.99 ₩23.9K
$13.49 ₩17.9K
$26.23 ₩34.8K
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$43.73 ₩58.0K
$36.53 ₩48.5K
$57.4 ₩76.1K
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.82 ₩15.7K
$8.39 ₩11.1K
$15.26 ₩20.2K
Cinema Ticket
$11.19 ₩14.8K
$9.69 ₩12.9K
$11.94 ₩15.8K
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$691 ₩917.2K
$224 ₩296.9K
$1,492 ₩2.0M
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$18.3K ₩24.3M
$11.2K ₩14.9M
$30.8K ₩40.8M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.03 ₩49.1K
$18.51 ₩24.6K
$51.8 ₩68.8K
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$109 ₩145.0K
$41.93 ₩55.6K
$152 ₩202.3K
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$76.5 ₩101.4K
$53.7 ₩71.3K
$115 ₩152.7K
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$60.0 ₩79.6K
$28.23 ₩37.5K
$114 ₩151.0K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$438 ₩581.4K
$376 ₩498.3K
$488 ₩647.8K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$352 ₩467.0K
$264 ₩350.3K
$528 ₩700.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,185 ₩1.6M
$908 ₩1.2M
$1,513 ₩2.0M
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$819 ₩1.1M
$614 ₩814.6K
$921 ₩1.2M
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$12.6K ₩16.7M
$8,242 ₩10.9M
$20.5K ₩27.3M
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$7,074 ₩9.4M
$3,727 ₩4.9M
$10.8K ₩14.3M
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,638 ₩3.5M
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.5
5.5
7

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

Last update: October 26, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Suwon $1,372
Groceries & Markets
$395
Accommodation & Living
$352
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$222
Eating Out
$150
Clothing & Footwear
$127
Sport & Entertainment
$66
Getting Around
$60

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $438, dropping to $352 outside central areas. At just 17% of the average salary ($2,638), housing is genuinely affordable – well below the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,638 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,372. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $2,057.

Groceries cost around $395 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $30 – broadly in line with the Asian average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $49 – above the Asian average of $33.

Cost Highlights

Milk is more expensive than 97% of cities in Asia

Chicken fillets is more expensive than 96% of cities in Asia

White bread is more expensive than 94% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
15:42 3:42 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
1,203,000
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to KRW – South Korean Won Converter

South Korean Won exchange rates as of October 28, 2026: 1 USD = 1,327 KRW (10,000 KRW = 7.54 USD). 1 EUR = 1,477 KRW (10,000 KRW = 6.77 EUR).

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Suwon Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Suwon - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Suwon a good value overall for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it most affordable?
Compared with Seoul or Busan, Suwon offers a balanced mix of vibrancy and affordability. You will find modern conveniences without the steep premiums of a big city, especially in older neighborhoods and mid-rise housing. Food options range from neighborhood markets to casual eateries, often at friendlier prices than central hubs. Utilities, internet, and coworking spaces track a practical mid-range, and reliable public transit helps you reach Seoul and other nearby towns without a long commute. Cost of Living in Suwon, South Korea is easier to budget for if you are flexible about neighborhood choice and housing type, with quieter residential areas and student-friendly pockets offering good value. Tip: Start with short stays in a few areas to gauge daily costs and commute fit.
What should you expect day-to-day in Suwon: housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Suwon flows smoothly from the traditional markets to modern amenities. Housing searches reward you with compact, well-kept apartments near university belts or historic cores; look at Yeongtong or Paldal for balance, or consider quieter suburbs for lower rents. Food options range from busy street stalls to family-run restaurants and international cafes, often with smart value if you buy fresh produce at markets. Transport relies on a reliable rail link to Seoul, plus frequent buses; walking and biking can save time in dense neighborhoods. Suwon, South Korea living cost varies by area, so test a couple of neighborhoods before committing to a long-term rental. Tip: Build a simple budget and track weekly expenses to catch any drift.
How can you optimize quality of life in Suwon through budgeting, seasonal planning, and neighborhood fit?
Quality of life in Suwon comes from thoughtful budgeting, local pacing, and choosing a neighborhood that matches your routine. Use a simple framework: assign fixed housing and utilities first, then a flexible food/transport category, and reserve a small buffer for leisure and seasonal extras. Seasonality shapes errands, crowd levels, and energy use, so plan ahead for heating in winter and air conditioning in summer. For neighborhood fit, Yeongtong offers modern amenities and easy transit, while Paldal-gu places you near markets and heritage streets. Tip: Observe Saturday market hours and note which routes save you time during peak season to fine-tune your plan.
What are the monthly living expenses in Suwon as of 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Suwon should plan on about $1,372 per month with rent, or $834 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is the cost of living in Suwon reasonable?
Suwon is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,372. For most residents, that’s a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Suwon?
You’ll want at least $2,057 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Suwon. 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.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Suwon?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Suwon runs about $438 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $352. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
How expensive is preschool in Suwon per month?
Private kindergarten in Suwon costs about $691 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.
How much is a monthly gym pass in Suwon?
Expect to pay about $44 per month for a gym in Suwon – on par with the regional average. That typically gets you weights, cardio machines, and group classes. Boutique studios, yoga centers, and personal trainers charge extra.
Does $2,000 cover living expenses in Suwon?
$2,000 a month in Suwon? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $1,372, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What are the pros and cons of living in Suwon?
Quality of life in Suwon is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, and monthly costs hover around $1,372. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Suwon affordable for the average person?
Suwon is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,372, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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