| Category | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | ?500,000 – ?800,000 per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment outside city center | ?300,000 – ?500,000 per month | |
| Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | ?6,000,000 – ?10,000,000 |
| Price per square meter outside city center | ?4,000,000 – ?6,000,000 | |
| Transportation | One-way ticket (local transport) | ?1,250 |
| Monthly transport pass | ?55,000 | |
| Taxi starting tariff | ?3,000 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | ?1,500 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | ?2,000 |
| Bread (500g) | ?2,500 | |
| Rice (1kg) | ?4,000 | |
| Chicken breasts (1kg) | ?10,000 | |
| Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ?7,000 |
| Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | ?40,000 | |
| Fast food meal | ?6,000 | |
| Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment | ?100,000 – ?200,000 per month |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | ?30,000 per month | |
| Mobile phone (1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff, no discounts or plans) | ?200 | |
| Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition | ?5,000,000 – ?15,000,000 per year |
| Elementary school tuition | ?10,000,000 – ?20,000,000 per year | |
| Middle school tuition | ?15,000,000 – ?25,000,000 per year | |
| High school tuition | ?20,000,000 – ?30,000,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Yongin
“The cost of living in Yongin is considered moderate compared to other major cities in South Korea. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while those located outside of the city center are relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also moderate, and internet connection is usually affordable. Groceries in Yongin are reasonably priced, with local markets and supermarkets offering a variety of goods. Eating out in restaurants can range from inexpensive for local cuisine to quite pricey for high-end dining. Public transportation in Yongin, which includes buses and trains, is relatively affordable. However, owning and maintaining a car can be quite expensive due to high fuel costs and parking fees. Healthcare in Yongin is of high quality and is generally affordable, especially for those covered by the national health insurance. Education, from kindergarten to university, can be quite costly, especially for private and international schools. Overall, the cost of living in Yongin can be manageable but it largely depends on one’s lifestyle and spending habits,” said one expat living in Yongin.
Can I live in Yongin on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Yongin for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a one-room apartment or officetel in neighborhoods like Giheung-gu or Suji-gu, where the rent is relatively cheaper compared to more expensive areas like Yongin Central or Singal-dong. You can expect to pay around $400 to $600 a month for a decent place in these areas.Next, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity, water, and gas can add up quickly, especially during the winter months when you’ll need to use heating. Try to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and consider investing in energy-efficient appliances.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite expensive, especially if you’re used to Western-style restaurants. Instead, try to cook at home as much as possible and shop at local markets for fresh produce and ingredients. Eating at local Korean restaurants can also be more affordable, with meals typically costing around $5 to $10.Transportation is relatively cheap in Yongin, with buses and subway fares costing around $1 to $2 per ride. However, if you need to travel to Seoul frequently, the cost can add up. Consider getting a monthly transportation card to save on fares.As for entertainment and socializing, you’ll need to be selective about where you go and what you do. Going out for drinks or to clubs can be expensive, so try to find more affordable options like local bars, cafes, or parks. There are also many free or low-cost cultural events and festivals in Yongin that you can attend.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Yongin is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, conserving energy, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Yongin.
Can I live in Yongin on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Yongin for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment expenses.First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I’d recommend looking into areas like Giheung-gu or Cheoin-gu. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but you can still find nice apartments for a reasonable price. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider Suji-gu or Yongin-dong. These areas are closer to the city center and have more modern amenities, but the cost of living is higher.In terms of transportation, the public transportation system in Yongin is quite good, so you can save money by using buses and the subway instead of owning a car. This will also help you avoid the high cost of parking and gas.For groceries and dining out, you can find affordable options if you’re willing to explore local markets and restaurants. Eating at local Korean restaurants will be cheaper than dining at international or high-end establishments. Also, shopping at local markets for fresh produce and other groceries can help you save money compared to shopping at big supermarkets.Entertainment-wise, you might have to cut back on some of your usual activities. For example, going to the movies or attending concerts can be quite expensive in Korea. Instead, you can explore the many free or low-cost cultural events and attractions that Yongin has to offer, such as visiting local parks, museums, and historical sites.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Yongin is possible if you’re willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, eating at local establishments, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” said one expat living in Yongin.
Can I live in Yongin on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Yongin for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can still enjoy a good quality of life here.First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Giheung-gu or Suji-gu. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $800 to $1,200 a month. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out the apartments in Cheoin-gu or Yongin-dong, but keep in mind that these areas can be quite expensive, with rents going up to $2,000 a month or more.As for transportation, the public transit system in Yongin is pretty good, so you can save money by using buses and the subway instead of relying on taxis or a personal car. A monthly public transportation pass will cost you around $60, which is quite reasonable.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local Korean restaurants, where a meal can cost you around $5 to $10. However, if you prefer Western-style food or dining at fancier restaurants, you might have to spend more, around $15 to $30 per meal. Groceries can also be a bit pricey, especially if you’re looking for imported products, but if you stick to local produce and products, you can keep your monthly grocery bill around $300 to $400.Entertainment and leisure activities can vary in cost, but there are plenty of affordable options in Yongin. For example, you can visit the Everland amusement park, which is quite popular and offers a day pass for around $50. There are also many parks, museums, and cultural sites to explore, many of which are free or have a low entrance fee.In terms of healthcare, the cost of medical services in Korea is generally quite affordable, especially if you have health insurance. A visit to a local clinic for a minor issue might cost you around $10 to $20, while a visit to a specialist or a hospital could be around $50 to $100, depending on the treatment needed.Overall, I think it’s possible to live comfortably in Yongin on $5,000 a month, as long as you’re willing to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being conscious of your food and entertainment choices, you can enjoy a good quality of life in this city,” commented an expat living in Yongin.
