Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, presents a unique cost of living landscape. Understanding the expenses associated with living in Pyongyang is crucial for anyone considering a move or extended stay in this city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with dining, groceries, housing, and more, offering a comprehensive view of what to expect financially in Pyongyang.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs approximately $21.07.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) - A domestic beer costs around $12.64.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - An imported beer is priced at $3.16.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs between $1.05 and $3.16, averaging $2.11.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of water is consistently priced at $1.05.
  • Cappuccino (regular) - A regular cappuccino costs $1.05.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $0.88 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.50 and $2.83, averaging $2.17.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $2.48.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately $84.29.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is also around $84.29.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre is about $126.44.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 6 user contributions, as of the most recent update in September, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$21.07
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$12.64
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.16
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.11
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.05
Cappuccino (regular)
$1.05
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$0.88
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.17
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.48
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$84.29
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$84.29
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$126.44
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$119.24
Pyongyang Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Pyongyang offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other global cities, particularly in terms of housing.

Dining out can be affordable, especially at mid-range restaurants, though the cost of domestic beer is notably high.

Grocery prices are modest, with staples like milk and eggs being quite affordable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pyongyang presents a unique cost of living scenario with affordable housing and moderate grocery prices.

Dining costs vary, with some items like domestic beer being relatively expensive. Overall, Pyongyang can be considered a cost-effective city for residents, especially in terms of housing.