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  3. Cost of Living & Prices: South Korea vs. United States

Cost of Living & Prices:
South Korea vs. United States

Compare the cost of living and prices of goods and services, such as consumer goods prices, housing costs, average wages and more, to learn about differences and similarities between countries.

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SeoulSeoul
New York, NYNew York, NY

Table of contents

Grocery

EURUSDKRW

South Korea vs. United States - grocery purchase prices. You would pay on average 1.16 times less for grocery shopping in South Korea than in the United States.

Apples (1kg)

One kilogram of apples costs 6.26 EUR (7.17 USD) in South Korea and 6.48 EUR (7.41 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 3.4% lower in South Korea.

6.26 EUR
6.48 EUR

Banana (1kg)

1 kilogram of bananas costs 2.81 EUR (3.21 USD) in South Korea and 2.2 EUR (2.52 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 21.7% lower in the United States.

2.81 EUR
2.20 EUR

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

One kilogram of beef or similar meat costs 27.12 EUR (31.03 USD) in South Korea and 17.43 EUR (19.94 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 35.7% lower in the United States.

27.12 EUR
17.43 EUR

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

A bottle of medium-grade wine costs 16.92 EUR (19.36 USD) in South Korea and 15.73 EUR (18 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 7% lower in the United States.

16.92 EUR
15.73 EUR

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

One kilogram of chicken fillet costs 8.61 EUR (9.85 USD) in South Korea and 14.05 EUR (16.08 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 38.7% lower in South Korea.

8.61 EUR
14.05 EUR

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

A pack of 20 cigarettes costs 2.63 EUR (3 USD) in South Korea and 16.6 EUR (19 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 84.2% lower in South Korea.

2.63 EUR
16.60 EUR

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

Domestic beer in a 0.5 liter bottle costs 1.91 EUR (2.18 USD) in South Korea and 2.92 EUR (3.34 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 34.6% lower in South Korea.

1.91 EUR
2.92 EUR

Eggs (regular) (12)

You will pay 2.5 EUR (2.86 USD) for 12 eggs in South Korea and 6.28 EUR (7.19 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 60.2% lower in South Korea.

2.50 EUR
6.28 EUR

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

A 0.33 liter bottle of imported beer costs 2.61 EUR (2.99 USD) in South Korea and 3.33 EUR (3.81 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 21.6% lower in South Korea.

2.61 EUR
3.33 EUR

Johnnie Walker Red Label Whisky 0.7 Litre

-
21.84 EUR

Lettuce (1 head)

One head of lettuce costs 2.04 EUR (2.33 USD) in South Korea and 2.57 EUR (2.94 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 20.6% lower in South Korea.

2.04 EUR
2.57 EUR

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

One loaf of fresh white bread costs 2.69 EUR (3.08 USD) in South Korea and 4.38 EUR (5.01 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 38.6% lower in South Korea.

2.69 EUR
4.38 EUR

Local Cheese (1kg)

One kilogram of locally produced cheese costs 11.36 EUR (13 USD) in South Korea and 15 EUR (17.16 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 24.3% lower in South Korea.

11.36 EUR
15.00 EUR

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

One liter of milk costs 1.74 EUR (1.99 USD) in South Korea and 1.39 EUR (1.59 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 20.1% lower in the United States.

1.74 EUR
1.39 EUR

Onion (1kg)

One kilogram of onions costs 2.31 EUR (2.64 USD) in South Korea and 3.5 EUR (4.01 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 34% lower in South Korea.

2.31 EUR
3.50 EUR

Oranges (1kg)

One kilogram of oranges costs 4.41 EUR (5.05 USD) in South Korea and 5 EUR (5.72 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 11.8% lower in South Korea.

4.41 EUR
5.00 EUR

Potato (1kg)

One kilogram of potatoes costs 3.11 EUR (3.56 USD) in South Korea and 3.27 EUR (3.74 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 4.9% lower in South Korea.

3.11 EUR
3.27 EUR

Rice (white), (1kg)

One kilogram of white rice costs 2.48 EUR (2.84 USD) in South Korea and 7.23 EUR (8.27 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 65.7% lower in South Korea.

2.48 EUR
7.23 EUR

Smirnoff Red Label Vodka 0.7 Litre

A 0.7 liter bottle of Smirnoff Red Label vodka costs 15.78 EUR (18.06 USD) in South Korea and 7.85 EUR (8.98 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 50.3% lower in the United States.

15.78 EUR
7.85 EUR

Tomato (1kg)

One kilogram of tomatoes costs 5.19 EUR (5.94 USD) in South Korea and 5.57 EUR (6.37 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 6.8% lower in South Korea.

5.19 EUR
5.57 EUR

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs 1.03 EUR (1.18 USD) in South Korea and 2.18 EUR (2.49 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 52.8% lower in South Korea.

1.03 EUR
2.18 EUR

Restaurant

EURUSDKRW

South Korea vs. United States - expenses on meals in restaurants. You would pay 2.56 times less for meals in restaurants in South Korea than in the United States.

Cappuccino (regular)

For a cappuccino in a restaurant, you'll pay 3.07 EUR (3.51 USD) in South Korea and 5.12 EUR (5.86 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 40% lower in South Korea.

3.07 EUR
5.12 EUR

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

A 0.33 liter bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi costs 1.34 EUR (1.54 USD) in South Korea and 2.88 EUR (3.3 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 53.5% lower in South Korea.

1.34 EUR
2.88 EUR

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

Domestic beer with a capacity of 0.5 liters costs 2.92 EUR (3.34 USD) in South Korea and 6.99 EUR (8 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 58.2% lower in South Korea.

2.92 EUR
6.99 EUR

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

A 0.33 liter bottle of imported beer costs 4.67 EUR (5.34 USD) in South Korea and 10.49 EUR (12 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 55.5% lower in South Korea.

4.67 EUR
10.49 EUR

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

A McMeal or similar meal at McDonald's costs 5.19 EUR (5.94 USD) in South Korea and 10.49 EUR (12 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 50.5% lower in South Korea.

5.19 EUR
10.49 EUR

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs 46.67 EUR (53.4 USD) in South Korea and 122.35 EUR (140 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 61.9% lower in South Korea.

46.67 EUR
122.35 EUR

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs 7 EUR (8.01 USD) in South Korea and 22.72 EUR (26 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 69.2% lower in South Korea.

7.00 EUR
22.72 EUR

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

A 0.33 liter bottle of water costs 0.64 EUR (0.73 USD) in South Korea and 2.23 EUR (2.55 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 71.3% lower in South Korea.

0.64 EUR
2.23 EUR

Fuel

EURUSDKRW

South Korea vs. United States - expenses related to fuel. You would pay 1.26 times more for fuel in South Korea than in the United States.

Diesel 1L

A liter of diesel costs 1.01 EUR (1.16 USD) in South Korea and 0.86 EUR (0.99 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 14.9% lower in the United States.

1.01 EUR
0.86 EUR

Gasoline 1L

A liter of gasoline costs 1.1 EUR (1.26 USD) in South Korea and 0.81 EUR (0.93 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 26.4% lower in the United States.

1.10 EUR
0.81 EUR

LPG 1L

0.71 EUR
-

Transportation

EURUSDKRW

South Korea vs. United States - costs of transportation and public communication. You would pay 3.35 times less for transportation in South Korea than in the United States.

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

The monthly ticket price for public transportation is 36.75 EUR (42.05 USD) in South Korea and 115.36 EUR (132 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 68.1% lower in South Korea.

36.75 EUR
115.36 EUR

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

The one-way ticket price for local transportation is 0.88 EUR (1 USD) in South Korea and 2.53 EUR (2.9 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 65.2% lower in South Korea.

0.88 EUR
2.53 EUR

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

The cost of a one-hour taxi stand/wait is 7 EUR (8.01 USD) in South Korea and 36.71 EUR (42 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 80.9% lower in South Korea.

7.00 EUR
36.71 EUR

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

The fare for each kilometer traveled is 0.64 EUR (0.73 USD) in South Korea and 1.9 EUR (2.17 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 66.3% lower in South Korea.

0.64 EUR
1.90 EUR

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

The initial fare during a taxi ride is 2.8 EUR (3.2 USD) in South Korea and 4.36 EUR (4.99 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 35.8% lower in South Korea.

2.80 EUR
4.36 EUR

Sports & entertainment

EURUSDKRW

South Korea vs. United States - costs related to entertainment and sports.

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

The ticket price for a foreign film in the cinema is 8.75 EUR (10.01 USD) in South Korea and 17.48 EUR (20 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 49.9% lower in South Korea.

8.75 EUR
17.48 EUR

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

The monthly fee for entry to the fitness club is 46.18 EUR (52.84 USD) in South Korea and 137.88 EUR (157.77 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 66.5% lower in South Korea.

46.18 EUR
137.88 EUR

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

The cost of renting a tennis court for one hour on the weekend is 17.15 EUR (19.62 USD) in South Korea and 56.81 EUR (65 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 69.8% lower in South Korea.

17.15 EUR
56.81 EUR

Flats for rent

EURUSDKRW

South Korea vs. United States - costs of renting an apartment. You would pay about 4 times less for renting an apartment in South Korea than in the United States.

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

For renting an apartment in the city center consisting of a living room and one bedroom, you will pay 794.59 EUR (909.21 USD) in South Korea and 3546 EUR (4057.67 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 77.6% lower in South Korea.

794.59 EUR
3 546 EUR

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

For renting an apartment outside the city center consisting of a living room and one bedroom, you will pay 466.02 EUR (533.24 USD) in South Korea and 2223 EUR (2543.17 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 79% lower in South Korea.

466.02 EUR
2 223 EUR

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

For renting an apartment in the city center consisting of a living room and three bedrooms, you will pay 2072 EUR (2370.41 USD) in South Korea and 7185 EUR (8221.43 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 71.2% lower in South Korea.

2 072 EUR
7 185 EUR

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

For renting an apartment outside the city center consisting of a living room and three bedrooms, you will pay 1045 EUR (1195.59 USD) in South Korea and 4568 EUR (5226.67 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 77.1% lower in South Korea.

1 045 EUR
4 568 EUR

Flats for sale

EURUSDKRW

South Korea vs. United States - costs of purchasing an apartment. You would pay 1.06 times more for buying an apartment in South Korea than in the United States.

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre

For one square meter of an apartment in the city center you will pay 17879 EUR (20457.75 USD) in South Korea and 15167 EUR (17355.2 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 15.2% lower in the United States.

17 879 EUR
15 167 EUR

Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

For one square meter of an apartment outside the city center, you will pay 9487 EUR (10855.52 USD) in South Korea and 10641 EUR (12176.1 USD) in the United States. The price of this product is 10.8% lower in South Korea.

9 487 EUR
10 641 EUR

Salary

EURUSDKRW

South Korea vs. United States - average salary. The average salary in South Korea is 1.73 times lower than in the United States.

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

The average monthly salary after taxes is 2603 EUR (2978.46 USD) in South Korea and 4497 EUR (5145.25 USD) in the United States. The average salary is 42.1% lower in South Korea.

2 603 EUR
4 497 EUR

Hotels

EURUSDKRW

South Korea vs. United States - prices of accommodation in hostels, guesthouses, and hotels.

One star

45.7 EUR
90.7 EUR

Two stars

48.5 EUR
128 EUR

Three stars

62.8 EUR
171 EUR

Four stars

105 EUR
221 EUR

Five stars

245 EUR
525 EUR

Average accommodation prices based on Expedia.com data • Update: 15 Dec 2024 (1 night stay for 2 people on 29 Dec 2024) • South Korea: 20 cities, 1512 hotels • United States: 20 cities, 3762 hotels

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