Cost of Living: South Korea vs United Kingdom

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between South Korea and United Kingdom.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in South Korea is 41.0% cheaper than United Kingdom. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 113.2% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in United Kingdom, you would spend about $59 in South Korea for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 83.9%

South Korea is 83.9% cheaper

Restaurants 48.1%

South Korea is 48.1% cheaper

Household Utilities 48.0%

South Korea is 48.0% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 41.0%

South Korea is 41.0% cheaper than United Kingdom

Most Expensive Categories

  • Property Prices +113.2%
  • Sports And Leisure +8.0%
  • Childcare +6.5%

Is South Korea cheaper than United Kingdom?

Yes, South Korea is cheaper than United Kingdom

Overall, living costs in South Korea are 41.0% lower than in United Kingdom.

Where South Korea is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 83.9% cheaper
  • Restaurants 48.1% cheaper
  • Household Utilities 48.0% cheaper

Where South Korea is more expensive:

  • Property Prices 113.2% more expensive
  • Sports And Leisure 8.0% more expensive
  • Childcare 6.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

South Korea: 7.30 $ United Kingdom: 20.35 $
64.1% cheaper in South Korea

1-bedroom apartment in city center

South Korea: 664.54 $ United Kingdom: 1,411.39 $
52.9% cheaper in South Korea

Monthly public transport pass

South Korea: 46.70 $ United Kingdom: 94.95 $
50.8% cheaper in South Korea

1 liter of milk

South Korea: 2.16 $ United Kingdom: 1.69 $
27.8% more expensive in South Korea

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, South Korea is indeed cheaper than United Kingdom. You would save approximately 41.0% on living expenses by choosing South Korea over United Kingdom. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

41.0%

South Korea is 41.0% cheaper than United Kingdom

Restaurants

48.1%

South Korea is 48.1% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Markets

19.4%

South Korea is 19.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Other Expenses

83.9%

South Korea is 83.9% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Transportation

35.0%

South Korea is 35.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Household Utilities

48.0%

South Korea is 48.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Mobile and Internet

2.9%

South Korea is 2.9% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Sports And Leisure

8.0%

South Korea is 8.0% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Childcare

6.5%

South Korea is 6.5% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Clothing And Shoes

13.4%

South Korea is 13.4% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Rent Per Month

43.0%

South Korea is 43.0% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Property Prices

113.2%

South Korea is 113.2% more expensive than United Kingdom in this category

Salaries And Financing

21.5%

South Korea is 21.5% cheaper than United Kingdom in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item South Korea United Kingdom Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 7.30 $ 20.35 $ 64.1%
South Korea is 64.1% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 43.78 $ 88.17 $ 50.3%
South Korea is 50.3% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 5.84 $ 10.17 $ 42.6%
South Korea is 42.6% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 3.74 $ 4.62 $ 19.0%
South Korea is 19.0% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.60 $ 2.41 $ 33.6%
South Korea is 33.6% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.80 $ 1.72 $ 53.5%
South Korea is 53.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 1.17 $ 1.53 $ 23.5%
South Korea is 23.5% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 3.28 $ 1.17 $ 180.3%
South Korea is 180.3% more expensive
Milk (1L) 2.16 $ 1.69 $ 27.8%
South Korea is 27.8% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 3.08 $ 1.67 $ 84.4%
South Korea is 84.4% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 3.04 $ 2.21 $ 37.6%
South Korea is 37.6% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 3.01 $ 4.03 $ 25.3%
South Korea is 25.3% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 13.51 $ 9.73 $ 38.8%
South Korea is 38.8% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 9.26 $ 8.96 $ 3.3%
South Korea is 3.3% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 11.89 $ 16.31 $ 27.1%
South Korea is 27.1% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 7.83 $ 2.97 $ 163.6%
South Korea is 163.6% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 3.44 $ 1.64 $ 109.8%
South Korea is 109.8% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 5.86 $ 2.88 $ 103.5%
South Korea is 103.5% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 5.95 $ 3.54 $ 68.1%
South Korea is 68.1% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 3.82 $ 1.65 $ 131.5%
South Korea is 131.5% more expensive
Onions (1kg) 2.87 $ 1.55 $ 85.2%
South Korea is 85.2% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 2.46 $ 1.14 $ 115.8%
South Korea is 115.8% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 46.70 $ 94.95 $ 50.8%
South Korea is 50.8% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 3.28 $ 20.33 $ 83.9%
South Korea is 83.9% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 1.09 $ 3.26 $ 66.6%
South Korea is 66.6% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 3.28 $ 5.43 $ 39.6%
South Korea is 39.6% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.63 $ 2.41 $ 73.9%
South Korea is 73.9% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 8.76 $ 27.13 $ 67.7%
South Korea is 67.7% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.21 $ 1.95 $ 37.9%
South Korea is 37.9% cheaper
New Economy Car 27,533.97 $ 38,367.32 $ 28.2%
South Korea is 28.2% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 23,760.79 $ 40,488.21 $ 41.3%
South Korea is 41.3% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 167.81 $ 322.47 $ 48.0%
South Korea is 48.0% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 39.98 $ 17.46 $ 129.0%
South Korea is 129.0% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 21.62 $ 42.38 $ 49.0%
South Korea is 49.0% cheaper
Gym Membership 51.55 $ 46.25 $ 11.5%
South Korea is 11.5% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 19.16 $ 15.82 $ 21.1%
South Korea is 21.1% more expensive
Movie Ticket 10.95 $ 13.56 $ 19.2%
South Korea is 19.2% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 390.68 $ 1,710.49 $ 77.2%
South Korea is 77.2% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 23,384.11 $ 20,621.65 $ 13.4%
South Korea is 13.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 57.33 $ 90.04 $ 36.3%
South Korea is 36.3% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 48.56 $ 44.62 $ 8.8%
South Korea is 8.8% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 80.98 $ 101.31 $ 20.1%
South Korea is 20.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 106.94 $ 103.43 $ 3.4%
South Korea is 3.4% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 664.54 $ 1,411.39 $ 52.9%
South Korea is 52.9% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 420.36 $ 1,145.39 $ 63.3%
South Korea is 63.3% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,731.79 $ 2,337.19 $ 25.9%
South Korea is 25.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,029.07 $ 1,852.21 $ 44.4%
South Korea is 44.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 14,757.18 $ 6,334.38 $ 133.0%
South Korea is 133.0% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 9,536.42 $ 5,062.78 $ 88.4%
South Korea is 88.4% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,534.88 $ 3,229.12 $ 21.5%
South Korea is 21.5% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 4.33 5.75 24.7%
South Korea is 24.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to United Kingdom. Enter your monthly expenses in South Korea to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

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.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between South Korea and United Kingdom goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for South Korea vs United Kingdom

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

South Korea

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

United Kingdom

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.