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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Suwon 2024
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Cost of Living in Suwon

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Suwon helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Suwon is around 500,000 won per month. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around 700,000 won per month. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around 1 million won per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in Suwon is around 200 million won. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average price is around 300 million won. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average price is around 400 million won.
Transportation The public transportation system in Suwon is very efficient and affordable. A single ride on the subway costs 1,250 won, and a monthly pass costs around 50,000 won. Bus fares range from 1,200 won to 2,400 won, depending on the distance traveled.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Suwon is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around 2,000 won, a liter of milk costs around 3,000 won, and a dozen eggs costs around 4,000 won. Fruits and vegetables are also relatively inexpensive.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Suwon varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around 5,000 won, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 10,000 won. A meal at a high-end restaurant can cost up to 20,000 won.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Suwon is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity is around 30,000 won, while the average monthly cost for water is around 10,000 won. The average monthly cost for gas is around 20,000 won.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Suwon varies depending on the school. The average tuition for preschool is around 1 million won per year, while the average tuition for elementary school is around 2 million won per year. The average tuition for middle school is around 3 million won per year, and the average tuition for high school is around 4 million won per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Suwon

"The cost of living in Suwon is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in the country. Rent prices can vary depending on the area, but are generally lower than in other major cities. Eating out is also relatively affordable, with many restaurants offering good quality food at reasonable prices," said one expat living in Suwon.

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

"I've been living in Suwon 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 Yeongtong, Gwonseon, or Paldal. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Suwon Station or Hwaseong Fortress area. When it comes to transportation, the public transportation system in Suwon is quite good, so you can save money by using buses and the subway instead of taxis. A monthly transportation card will cost you around $50 to $60, which is quite reasonable. For groceries and eating out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Local markets and supermarkets like Homeplus or E-mart are great for buying groceries at reasonable prices. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local Korean restaurants, where a meal can cost you around $5 to $10. However, if you're craving Western food or dining at fancier restaurants, the prices can go up significantly. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Suwon, such as visiting parks, hiking, or exploring the Hwaseong Fortress. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like going to the movies, attending concerts, or frequenting bars and clubs. 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 use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your energy consumption to keep your bills low. Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Suwon is doable, but you'll need to be budget-conscious and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, dining, and entertainment options," commented an expat living in Suwon.

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

"I've been living in Suwon 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 Yeongtong-gu or Gwonseon-gu. These neighborhoods have a good mix of apartments and officetels (studio apartments) that are reasonably priced. You can expect to pay around $500 to $800 per month for a decent one-bedroom apartment in these areas. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider neighborhoods like Paldal-gu or Jangan-gu. These areas have more luxurious apartments and are closer to the city center, but the rent can be quite high, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per month.As for transportation, Suwon has a pretty good public transportation system, so you can save money by using buses and the subway instead of relying on taxis or owning a car. A monthly transportation card costs around $50, which is quite affordable.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite cheap if you stick to local Korean restaurants. You can find meals for as low as $5 to $10 per person. However, if you prefer Western food or dining at fancier restaurants, the prices can go up significantly. Groceries can also be a bit expensive, especially if you're looking for imported products. To save money, try shopping at local markets or discount supermarkets like Homeplus or E-Mart.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, but there are plenty of affordable options in Suwon. For example, you can visit the Hwaseong Fortress or the Korean Folk Village for a small entrance fee. There are also many parks and hiking trails in the area that are free to enjoy. If you're into nightlife, you can find bars and clubs with reasonable prices, but be prepared to spend more if you want to go to high-end establishments.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Suwon is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and entertainment. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being smart about your daily expenses, you can enjoy a good quality of life in this vibrant Korean city," said one expat living in Suwon.

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

"I've been living in Suwon for a few years 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. In fact, you might not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Suwon is a bit cheaper than Seoul, so your money will go further here.When it comes to housing, you can find a nice apartment in a decent neighborhood for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Some affordable neighborhoods to consider are Yeongtong-gu and Gwonseon-gu. These areas have plenty of shops, restaurants, and public transportation options, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything. On the other hand, I would avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Paldal-gu and Jangan-gu, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.As for food, eating out in Suwon can be quite affordable, especially if you're open to trying local cuisine. You can find plenty of delicious meals for under $10, and even cheaper if you go for street food or small local restaurants. Of course, if you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also reasonably priced, and you can find most of the ingredients you're used to at larger supermarkets like Homeplus or Emart.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation in Suwon is efficient and affordable, with buses and subway lines connecting you to all parts of the city. A monthly transportation card will cost you around $50 to $60, which is a great deal compared to owning a car and paying for gas, insurance, and parking.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of options in Suwon that won't break the bank. You can visit historical sites like Hwaseong Fortress, enjoy the outdoors at Gwanggyo Lake Park, or catch a movie at a local cinema for around $10. There are also plenty of cafes, bars, and clubs where you can socialize and have a good time without spending too much.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Suwon on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You might have to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle, but you'll still be able to enjoy modern amenities and a good quality of life," commented an expat living in Suwon.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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