How does the cost of living in South Korea compare with India for me as an Indian student?
Many everyday expenses in South Korea are higher than in India, according to a crowd-sourced comparison. Restaurant meals, fast food, transport and housing all cost more. Treat it as a broad planning guide, because your real spending will depend heavily on your city, housing and lifestyle.
Many everyday expenses are higher in South Korea than in India. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs KRW 8,000 to 15,000 (approx INR 567 to 1,064) against INR 100 to 500 in India, and a city-centre 1BHK costs KRW 500,000 to 1,500,000 (approx INR 35,450 to 1.06 L).
South Korea vs India price comparison
| Category | South Korea | India |
|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | 8,000 to 15,000 (approx INR 567 to 1,064) | INR 100 to 500 |
| Meal for two | 35,000 to 120,000 (approx INR 2,482 to 8,508) | INR 650 to 3,000 |
| Fast-food meal | 7,500 to 10,000 (approx INR 532 to 709) | INR 300 to 500 |
| Monthly transport pass | 60,000 to 90,000 (approx INR 4,254 to 6,381) | Varies by city |
| Milk (1 litre) | 2,000 to 3,852 (approx INR 142 to 273) | Varies by city |
| 1BHK, city centre | 500,000 to 1,500,000 (approx INR 35,450 to 1.06 L) | Varies significantly |
| Basic utilities | 177,727 to 361,250 (approx INR 12,601 to 25,613) | Varies by city |
Reading the comparison
- City, accommodation arrangement, food preferences and lifestyle all change what you spend.
- Use the numbers to set a rough budget, then refine it for the city you choose.
My Advice
Pick your city first, because Seoul and regional cities differ a lot. Then build a monthly budget from rent, food, transport and utilities, and keep a cushion for the first few months.
How much will a month in South Korea cost you?
Rent, food and travel. A real monthly budget, city by city.
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