Cost of Living in Gyeongju

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Gyeongju

"The cost of living in Gyeongju is considered moderate compared to other cities in South Korea. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also relatively low. When it comes to groceries, prices can vary but are generally reasonable. Local markets offer fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Public transportation in Gyeongju is efficient and affordable, with buses and trains being the primary modes of transport. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Healthcare in Gyeongju is of high quality and is reasonably priced. Education, particularly international schooling, can be quite expensive. Overall, the cost of living in Gyeongju is lower than in larger cities like Seoul or Busan, but it still offers a high quality of life," said one expat living in Gyeongju.

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

"I've been living in Gyeongju for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely 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 Seonggeon-dong, Hwangseong-dong, or Dongcheon-dong. These areas are relatively cheaper compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Bomun Lake Resort or Hwangnam-dong.When it comes to transportation, the city has a decent public transportation system, so you can save money by using buses and trains instead of taxis. A monthly transportation card costs around $50, which is quite affordable. For groceries, I suggest shopping at local markets like Seongdong Market or Nodong Market, where you can find fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets. Eating out can be affordable too if you stick to local Korean restaurants and avoid more expensive international cuisine.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Gyeongju. You can visit historical sites like Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Gyeongju National Museum, or spend time outdoors at Gyeongju National Park or Bomun Lake. If you're into sports, there are public sports facilities where you can play basketball, soccer, or badminton for a small fee.However, you'll have to make some sacrifices to maintain this budget. You might not be able to afford frequent trips to other cities or countries, and you'll have to limit your spending on shopping, dining out, and nightlife. Additionally, you may need to forgo some modern amenities like a gym membership or high-speed internet at home.Overall, living in Gyeongju on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some lifestyle adjustments. If you're willing to make those sacrifices, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful and historic city," commented an expat living in Gyeongju.

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

"I've been living in Gyeongju 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 live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Seonggeon-dong or Hwangseong-dong. These neighborhoods have a good mix of apartments and houses, and you can find a decent place 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 Bomun-dong or Naenam-dong. These areas are more expensive, with rents ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 a month, so they might not be the best option if you're trying to stick to a $3,000 budget.As for transportation, Gyeongju is a relatively small city, so you can get around easily by bus or taxi. A monthly bus pass will cost you around $50, and taxis are also quite affordable. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for about $300 to $400 a month, but keep in mind that parking can be a bit of a challenge in some areas.When it comes to food, you'll find that eating out is quite affordable in Gyeongju. You can enjoy a decent meal at a local restaurant for around $5 to $10, and even fancier places won't set you back more than $20 to $30 per person. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also reasonably priced, with a monthly bill of around $200 to $300 for a single person.Entertainment options in Gyeongju are somewhat limited compared to bigger cities like Seoul or Busan, but you can still find plenty to do. There are several movie theaters, and tickets usually cost around $8 to $10. If you're into outdoor activities, there are plenty of parks and hiking trails in the area, as well as some beautiful historical sites to explore.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that the nightlife in Gyeongju is not as vibrant as in larger cities, and you may have to travel to nearby cities like Daegu or Busan for more diverse entertainment options. Additionally, while there are some international schools in the area, they can be quite expensive, so if you have children, that's something to consider.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Gyeongju on a $3,000 a month budget, as long as you're willing to make some compromises in terms of housing and entertainment," said one expat living in Gyeongju.

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

"I've been living in Gyeongju 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. In fact, you might find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than in some more expensive cities. One of the first things you'll want to do is find a place to live. There are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Gyeongju, like Hwangnam-dong, Seonggeon-dong, and Dongcheon-dong. These areas have a good mix of apartments and houses, and you can find a decent place for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. If you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out neighborhoods like Bomun Lake Resort or Toham-dong, but keep in mind that these areas can be more expensive.When it comes to transportation, Gyeongju has a pretty good public transit system, so you can save money by taking buses and trains instead of relying on taxis or a personal car. A monthly transit pass will only set you back around $50, which is a great deal compared to what you might be used to.As for food, you'll find that eating out in Gyeongju can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local Korean cuisine. You can easily find meals for under $10, and even fancier restaurants won't break the bank. Of course, if you prefer to cook at home, you can save even more money by shopping at local markets and grocery stores.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Gyeongju without spending a fortune. You can visit historical sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, or spend time outdoors at places like Gyeongju National Park and Bomun Lake. There are also plenty of affordable cafes, bars, and movie theaters where you can relax and enjoy your downtime.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Gyeongju on $5,000 a month is not only doable, but quite comfortable. You might have to make a few small sacrifices, like choosing a more modest apartment or cooking at home more often, but in the end, you'll be able to enjoy a great quality of life without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Gyeongju.