Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between South Korea and Germany.
In simple terms, living in South Korea is 24.4% cheaper than Germany. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 118.4% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Germany, you would spend about $76 in South Korea for the same standard of living.
South Korea is 65.7% cheaper
South Korea is 51.3% cheaper
South Korea is 32.0% cheaper
South Korea is 24.4% cheaper than Germany
Yes, South Korea is cheaper than Germany
Overall, living costs in South Korea are 24.4% lower than in Germany.
Based on comprehensive cost of living data, South Korea is indeed cheaper than Germany. You would save approximately 24.4% on living expenses by choosing South Korea over Germany. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.
South Korea is 24.4% cheaper than Germany
South Korea is 32.0% cheaper than Germany in this category
South Korea is 9.7% cheaper than Germany in this category
South Korea is 65.7% cheaper than Germany in this category
South Korea is 24.3% cheaper than Germany in this category
South Korea is 51.3% cheaper than Germany in this category
South Korea is 21.0% cheaper than Germany in this category
South Korea is 4.8% more expensive than Germany in this category
South Korea is 57.1% more expensive than Germany in this category
South Korea is 19.8% cheaper than Germany in this category
South Korea is 24.5% cheaper than Germany in this category
South Korea is 118.4% more expensive than Germany in this category
South Korea is 22.6% cheaper than Germany in this category
| Item | South Korea | Germany | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Restaurant Meal | 7.30 $ | 17.07 $ |
57.2%
South Korea is
57.2%
cheaper
|
| Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant | 43.78 $ | 73.99 $ |
40.8%
South Korea is
40.8%
cheaper
|
| McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal | 5.84 $ | 11.38 $ |
48.7%
South Korea is
48.7%
cheaper
|
| Regular Cappuccino | 3.74 $ | 3.99 $ |
6.3%
South Korea is
6.3%
cheaper
|
| Soft Drink (330ml) | 1.60 $ | 3.28 $ |
51.2%
South Korea is
51.2%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (330ml) | 0.80 $ | 2.95 $ |
72.9%
South Korea is
72.9%
cheaper
|
| Bottled Water (1.5L) | 1.17 $ | 1.07 $ |
9.3%
South Korea is
9.3%
more expensive
|
| Local Beer (500ml) | 2.15 $ | 5.69 $ |
62.2%
South Korea is
62.2%
cheaper
|
| Imported Beer (330ml) | 3.28 $ | 1.74 $ |
88.5%
South Korea is
88.5%
more expensive
|
| Mid-Range Wine | 18.42 $ | 9.11 $ |
102.2%
South Korea is
102.2%
more expensive
|
| Local Beer (500ml bottle) | 1.79 $ | 1.98 $ |
9.6%
South Korea is
9.6%
cheaper
|
| Milk (1L) | 2.16 $ | 1.26 $ |
71.4%
South Korea is
71.4%
more expensive
|
| Fresh Bread (500g) | 3.08 $ | 2.19 $ |
40.6%
South Korea is
40.6%
more expensive
|
| White Rice (1kg) | 3.04 $ | 3.33 $ |
8.7%
South Korea is
8.7%
cheaper
|
| Eggs (12 pack) | 3.01 $ | 3.79 $ |
20.6%
South Korea is
20.6%
cheaper
|
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 13.51 $ | 14.58 $ |
7.3%
South Korea is
7.3%
cheaper
|
| Chicken Breast (1kg) | 9.26 $ | 13.95 $ |
33.6%
South Korea is
33.6%
cheaper
|
| Beef (1kg) | 11.89 $ | 19.57 $ |
39.2%
South Korea is
39.2%
cheaper
|
| Apples (1kg) | 7.83 $ | 3.16 $ |
147.8%
South Korea is
147.8%
more expensive
|
| Bananas (1kg) | 3.44 $ | 1.81 $ |
90.1%
South Korea is
90.1%
more expensive
|
| Oranges (1kg) | 5.86 $ | 2.25 $ |
160.4%
South Korea is
160.4%
more expensive
|
| Tomatoes (1kg) | 5.95 $ | 4.77 $ |
24.7%
South Korea is
24.7%
more expensive
|
| Potatoes (1kg) | 3.82 $ | 1.56 $ |
144.9%
South Korea is
144.9%
more expensive
|
| Onions (1kg) | 2.87 $ | 1.59 $ |
80.5%
South Korea is
80.5%
more expensive
|
| Lettuce (1 head) | 2.46 $ | 1.86 $ |
32.3%
South Korea is
32.3%
more expensive
|
| Monthly Transit Pass | 46.70 $ | 62.61 $ |
25.4%
South Korea is
25.4%
cheaper
|
| Cigarettes (20 pack) | 3.28 $ | 9.56 $ |
65.7%
South Korea is
65.7%
cheaper
|
| Single Bus/Train Ticket | 1.09 $ | 3.64 $ |
70.1%
South Korea is
70.1%
cheaper
|
| Taxi Base Fare | 3.28 $ | 5.58 $ |
41.2%
South Korea is
41.2%
cheaper
|
| Taxi per Kilometer | 0.63 $ | 2.85 $ |
77.9%
South Korea is
77.9%
cheaper
|
| Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate | 8.76 $ | 37.56 $ |
76.7%
South Korea is
76.7%
cheaper
|
| Gasoline (1L) | 1.21 $ | 1.97 $ |
38.6%
South Korea is
38.6%
cheaper
|
| New Economy Car | 27,533.97 $ | 30,939.70 $ |
11.0%
South Korea is
11.0%
cheaper
|
| New Mid-Range Car | 23,760.79 $ | 36,770.68 $ |
35.4%
South Korea is
35.4%
cheaper
|
| Monthly Utilities (80m² size) | 167.81 $ | 344.76 $ |
51.3%
South Korea is
51.3%
cheaper
|
| 10 GB Mobile Plan with Data | 39.98 $ | 27.11 $ |
47.5%
South Korea is
47.5%
more expensive
|
| High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) | 21.62 $ | 50.88 $ |
57.5%
South Korea is
57.5%
cheaper
|
| Gym Membership | 51.55 $ | 39.89 $ |
29.2%
South Korea is
29.2%
more expensive
|
| Tennis Court (Weekend) | 19.16 $ | 24.36 $ |
21.3%
South Korea is
21.3%
cheaper
|
| Movie Ticket | 10.95 $ | 13.66 $ |
19.8%
South Korea is
19.8%
cheaper
|
| Private Preschool (Full Day) | 390.68 $ | 465.43 $ |
16.1%
South Korea is
16.1%
cheaper
|
| International School (Yearly) | 23,384.11 $ | 14,669.30 $ |
59.4%
South Korea is
59.4%
more expensive
|
| 1 Pair of Jeans | 57.33 $ | 91.97 $ |
37.7%
South Korea is
37.7%
cheaper
|
| 1 Summer Dress | 48.56 $ | 43.30 $ |
12.1%
South Korea is
12.1%
more expensive
|
| 1 Pair of Running Shoes | 80.98 $ | 100.63 $ |
19.5%
South Korea is
19.5%
cheaper
|
| 1 Pair of Business Shoes | 106.94 $ | 130.63 $ |
18.1%
South Korea is
18.1%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 664.54 $ | 1,014.84 $ |
34.5%
South Korea is
34.5%
cheaper
|
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 420.36 $ | 764.76 $ |
45.0%
South Korea is
45.0%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | 1,731.79 $ | 1,887.97 $ |
8.3%
South Korea is
8.3%
cheaper
|
| 3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) | 1,029.07 $ | 1,429.32 $ |
28.0%
South Korea is
28.0%
cheaper
|
| Apartment Price (City Center) per m² | 14,757.18 $ | 6,242.76 $ |
136.4%
South Korea is
136.4%
more expensive
|
| Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² | 9,536.42 $ | 4,879.58 $ |
95.4%
South Korea is
95.4%
more expensive
|
| Average Monthly Salary (after tax) | 2,534.88 $ | 3,276.32 $ |
22.6%
South Korea is
22.6%
cheaper
|
| 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate | 4.33 | 3.98 |
8.8%
South Korea is
8.8%
more expensive
|
Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Germany. Enter your monthly expenses in South Korea to see the equivalent costs.
Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:
Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.
Understanding the cost of living differences between South Korea and Germany goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:
While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:
Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:
While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.
Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.
