Cost of living in Gangneung
Gangneung, a coastal city in South Korea, is known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Gangneung, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $6.44 on average, with a range between $5.58 and $9.3.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $35.76, with prices ranging from $35.76 to $53.63.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.01, with a range between $4.29 and $5.72.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.22 to $5.01, imported beer $4.29 to $7.15, cappuccino $2.86 to $4.65, and Coke/Pepsi $1.29 to $1.79.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.43 and $2.15 per liter, averaging $1.94.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.86 and $5.72, with an average price of $2.59.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $3.26, averaging $2.53.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $7.15 to $14.3 per kg, while oranges range from $2.15 to $7.15 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $4.29 and $5.72 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.07 to $2.15 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.22 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.36, with a cost of $0 per km and $0 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $26,982.16, while a Toyota Corolla is priced at $10,726.79.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $250.29 and $328.95, averaging $276.51.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly fees for international primary school range from $32,180.36 to $35,755.96, averaging $33,968.16.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $107.27 and $178.78, averaging $146.6.
- Internet - Internet services range from $21.45 to $28.6, with an average cost of $23.84.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $17.88 and $49.34, averaging $42.48.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for South Korea are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in South Korea, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Gangneung offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger South Korean cities. Dining out is inexpensive, and grocery prices are moderate.
Transportation costs are low, especially for gasoline, but owning a car can be a significant investment.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.
Conclusion
Overall, Gangneung provides a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and moderate grocery prices. While transportation and utilities are reasonably priced, housing costs can vary significantly.
This city is an attractive option for those looking to enjoy coastal living in South Korea without the high costs associated with larger urban areas.