Cost of Living in Seoul for Expats: 2026 Monthly Budget
By WCS Last reviewed and updated: July 18, 2026 · Checked against official Korean government sources. Key takeaways A single-person or couple's Seoul budget is an illustrative planning estimate, not an official benchmark; rent, deposit, neighborhood, household size and lifestyle drive the total. Keep the figures in KRW and replace any USD conversion with a live rate before signing a lease. Housing is the biggest decision: wolse (monthly rent + small ₩5–20M deposit) suits most newcomers, while jeonse demands a ₩200–500M lump-sum deposit (50–80% of property value). USD conversions in this guide are illustrative only; use a live USD/KRW quote on the date you budget or sign a lease. Housing prices, deposits and recurring bills are quoted in KRW and vary by neighborhood and contract. NHIS enrollment rules differ by status: foreigners who are not already employee-insured and stay over six months are generally subject to mandatory regional enrollment, subject to official exceptions. ...