How do the living costs in the United States compare to South Korea?
Everyday shopping and living expenses can be major concerns for many people. The living costs in the United States and South Korea are significantly different, and these differences are reflected in several categories such as food, dining, transportation, housing, and more. Let’s dive into specific examples to compare the price differences between the two countries.
Fruits, Meat, and Vegetables are Definitely Cheaper in the U.S.
Gasoline is also much cheaper.
Dining Out Costs Twice as Much.
Tips are always around 20%, and taxes are always included in the price.
When I went to Miami, I noticed that the tip (around 18–20%) was already added to the bill, and then they ask for an additional tip! It’s really expensive.
Even food trucks and street food have a section where you can choose the tip amount. I’m still getting used to it.
1. Grocery Prices Comparison
Grocery shopping accounts for a significant portion of everyday expenses, and the prices of common food items vary greatly by country.
Milk (1 liter)
- United States: Around 1.0~1.2 USD (about 1,200 KRW)
- South Korea: Around 2,000~2,300 KRW
- Comparison: Milk tends to be more expensive in South Korea. The cost of milk in South Korea is higher due to distribution costs and the limited amount of local production.
Eggs (12 eggs)
- United States: Around 2.5 USD (about 3,000 KRW)
- South Korea: Around 4,000~5,000 KRW
- Comparison: Eggs are more expensive in South Korea, especially in recent years due to supply issues and inflation.
Rice (1 kg)
- United States: Around 4~5 USD (about 5,000 KRW)
- South Korea: Around 3,000~4,000 KRW
- Comparison: Rice is generally cheaper in South Korea. This is expected since rice is a staple in Korean diets and widely produced within the country.
2. Dining Out Costs Comparison
Dining out is one of the best ways to directly experience the cost of living in different countries. So how do the prices of meals compare?
Fast Food Meal
- United States: Around 6
8 USD (about 7,0009,000 KRW) - South Korea: Around 5,000~7,000 KRW
- Comparison: Fast food is slightly more affordable in South Korea. Generally, food prices at fast food chains tend to be lower in South Korea.
- United States: Around 6
Restaurant Meal (for 2 people)
- United States: Around 40
60 USD (about 45,00070,000 KRW) - South Korea: Around 30,000~50,000 KRW
- Comparison: Dining in a restaurant tends to be cheaper in South Korea compared to the United States, where dining out in larger cities can be significantly more expensive.
- United States: Around 40
3. Transportation Costs Comparison
Transportation costs play a big role in everyday expenses. Let's look at the prices of public transport and car-related expenses.
Subway Fare
- United States: Around 2.5 USD (about 3,000 KRW)
- South Korea: Around 1,250~1,500 KRW
- Comparison: Transportation in South Korea is much cheaper. Subway and bus fares are generally lower in South Korea compared to the US.
Gasoline (per liter)
- United States: Around 1 USD (about 1,200 KRW)
- South Korea: Around 1,600~1,700 KRW
- Comparison: Gasoline is more expensive in South Korea due to taxes and distribution costs, even though the global price of oil is similar.
4. Housing Costs Comparison
Housing is a major living expense, and there is a significant difference in housing costs between the two countries.
Apartment Rent (monthly)
- United States: 1,500~3,000 USD in major cities like New York, LA (about 1.8 million to 3.5 million KRW)
- South Korea: Around 500,000~800,000 KRW in Seoul
- Comparison: Rent is significantly higher in major cities in the US, particularly in places like New York and San Francisco. In contrast, rent in South Korea, especially in Seoul, is more affordable.
Officetel (monthly rent)
- United States: Around 2,000 USD (about 2.4 million KRW)
- South Korea: Around 800,000~1.5 million KRW
- Comparison: Housing in South Korea is comparatively cheaper, particularly in terms of monthly rent.
5. Coffee Prices Comparison
Coffee is a common beverage consumed by many. Let's see how the prices of a cup of coffee compare between the US and South Korea.
- Starbucks Coffee
- United States: Around 5 USD (about 6,000 KRW)
- South Korea: Around 5,500~6,000 KRW
- Comparison: The price of Starbucks coffee is similar in both countries, with a slight premium in South Korea due to higher operating costs.
6. Electronics Prices Comparison
Electronics are major consumer products, and their prices can vary significantly.
Smartphone (iPhone 13)
- United States: Around 799 USD (about 950,000 KRW)
- South Korea: Around 1,000,000 KRW
- Comparison: Smartphones, particularly iPhones, are generally more expensive in South Korea due to taxes and additional import costs.
Laptop
- United States: Around 1,000
1,200 USD (about 1.2 million1.4 million KRW) - South Korea: Around 1.4 million~1.6 million KRW
- Comparison: Laptops tend to be slightly cheaper in the United States, especially when considering promotional prices.
- United States: Around 1,000
Conclusion:
In general, South Korea's living costs tend to be lower than those in the United States, particularly when it comes to food, transportation, and housing. While prices for electronics and smartphones are typically more affordable in the United States, South Korea offers more competitive pricing in grocery shopping and dining out. Ultimately, depending on where you live, each country offers its own unique set of challenges and advantages when it comes to the cost of living.
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