Cost of Living in Pyeongtaek

Betsy Burlingame

If you're moving to Pyeongtaek, understanding the the cost of living in Pyeongtaek helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: $400 – $600 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: $300 – $500 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $800 – $1,200 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: $600 – $1,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: $2,000 – $3,000 Price per square meter outside city center: $1,500 – $2,500
Transportation	One-way local transportation ticket: $1.00 – $1.50 Monthly transportation pass: $40 – $60 Taxi starting tariff: $2.50 – $3.50 Taxi 1km tariff: $0.70 – $1.00 Gasoline (1 liter): $1.20 – $1.50
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): $1.50 – $2.00 Bread (500g): $1.50 – $2.50 Rice (1kg): $2.00 – $4.00 Eggs (12): $2.00 – $3.00 Chicken breast (1kg): $5.00 – $8.00 Beef round (1kg): $12.00 – $18.00 Apples (1kg): $3.00 – $5.00 Tomatoes (1kg): $2.00 – $4.00 Water (1.5-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $5.00 – $10.00 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $30.00 – $50.00 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.50 – $4.00 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): $3.00 – $5.00 Cappuccino: $2.50 – $4.00 Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $1.00 – $1.50 Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.50 – $1.00
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: $100 – $200 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): $20 – $30 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: $5,000 – $10,000 per year Elementary School: $10,000 – $20,000 per year Middle School: $15,000 – $25,000 per year High School: $20,000 – $30,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as location, time of year, and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Pyeongtaek

“The cost of living in Pyeongtaek is considered moderate compared to other major cities in South Korea. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while those located outside the city center are even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also reasonable. Groceries in Pyeongtaek are priced moderately with local markets offering cheaper options than supermarkets. Eating out in inexpensive restaurants is quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant can be a bit pricier. Public transportation in Pyeongtaek is relatively cheap, with buses and trains offering affordable rates. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive, especially for longer distances. Healthcare in Pyeongtaek is of high quality and is reasonably priced. Both public and private hospitals offer services at affordable rates. Overall, the cost of living in Pyeongtaek is manageable, with the biggest expenses typically being rent and dining out. However, it is still advisable for individuals or families planning to move to Pyeongtaek to carefully plan their budget to ensure a comfortable living experience,” said one expat living in Pyeongtaek.

Can I live in Pyeongtaek on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Pyeongtaek 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 Anjeong-ri, Seojeong-ri, or Paengseong-eup. These areas are relatively cheaper compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Pyeongtaek City Center or Songtan.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation like buses and trains instead of taxis. The public transportation system in Pyeongtaek is quite efficient and affordable. If you need to travel to Seoul frequently, consider getting a monthly train pass to save on transportation costs.For groceries and daily necessities, I suggest shopping at local markets and discount stores like Homeplus or E-Mart. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local Korean restaurants and street food, but if you’re craving Western food, it can get quite expensive. So, cooking at home will help you save money.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Pyeongtaek. You can visit local parks, hike in the nearby mountains, or explore the city’s cultural sites. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies like frequent nights out or traveling to other parts of Korea.Lastly, you’ll need to be mindful of your utility bills, especially during the winter and summer months when heating and air conditioning costs can be high. Make sure to turn off appliances when not in use and try to conserve energy as much as possible.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Pyeongtaek is doable, but you’ll need to be budget-conscious and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Pyeongtaek.

Can I live in Pyeongtaek on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Pyeongtaek 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 options.First, let’s talk about housing. If you want to save money, I’d recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Anjeong-ri, Seojeong-ri, or Paengseong-eup. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent one-bedroom apartment for around $500 to $700 a month. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Songtan or Pyeongtaek City Center. These areas are more expensive, with rents for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $800 to $1,200 a month.As for utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for electricity, water, and gas, depending on your usage. Internet and cable TV packages usually cost around $50 a month.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable in Pyeongtaek, especially if you stick to local Korean restaurants. A meal at a local restaurant will usually cost you around $5 to $10, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can range from $15 to $30. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries can be a bit more expensive than in the US, but you can still find affordable options at local markets and discount stores like Homeplus or E-Mart.Transportation is also quite affordable in Pyeongtaek. A one-way subway ticket costs around $1, and a monthly transportation card is around $50. Taxis are also relatively cheap, with a 10-minute ride costing around $5.As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options in Pyeongtaek. You can catch a movie for around $8, or visit one of the many local parks and attractions for free or a small entrance fee. However, if you’re used to frequenting high-end bars and clubs, you might have to cut back on those outings, as they can be quite expensive in Korea.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Pyeongtaek is definitely doable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being smart about your spending, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this vibrant Korean city,” said one expat living in Pyeongtaek.

Can I live in Pyeongtaek on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Pyeongtaek 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 Anjeong-ri or Paengseong-eup. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment for around $500 to $800 a month. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Seojeong-dong or Pyeongtaek-dong, but keep in mind that the rent prices there can be significantly higher, sometimes reaching up to $1,500 a month or more.As for transportation, the public transportation system in Pyeongtaek is quite efficient and affordable. You can get a monthly bus pass for around $50, which will allow you to travel around the city without any issues. If you prefer to drive, you should know that gas prices and car maintenance can be a bit expensive, so you might want to factor that into your budget.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local Korean restaurants, where you can have a decent meal for around $5 to $10. However, if you prefer Western-style food or dining at fancier restaurants, the prices can be much higher. To save money, I’d recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce and groceries.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be quite affordable in Pyeongtaek. There are plenty of parks, museums, and cultural sites to visit, many of which are free or have a low entrance fee. If you’re into sports, you can find affordable gym memberships or join local sports clubs for a reasonable price. However, if you’re into more expensive hobbies like golf or skiing, you might have to cut back on those activities to stay within your budget.In conclusion, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Pyeongtaek is definitely achievable, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and enjoying low-cost entertainment options, you can still enjoy a great quality of life in this vibrant Korean city,” commented an expat living in Pyeongtaek.

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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