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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

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

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Yeosu is around 500,000 KRW (430 USD) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 1,000,000 KRW (860 USD) per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 300,000 KRW (260 USD) per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center is around 600,000 KRW (520 USD) per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price of an apartment in Yeosu is around 2,000,000 KRW (1,720 USD) per 3.3 square meters. The average price of an apartment outside the city center is around 1,500,000 KRW (1,290 USD) per 3.3 square meters.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Yeosu is 1,250 KRW (1.08 USD) for a single journey. A monthly pass costs around 30,000 KRW (26 USD). Taxis start at 2,400 KRW (2.08 USD) and cost an additional 100 KRW (0.09 USD) per 142 meters. The cost of a liter of gasoline is around 1,800 KRW (1.56 USD).
Groceries The cost of groceries in Yeosu is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around 1,500 KRW (1.30 USD). A liter of milk costs around 2,000 KRW (1.72 USD). A kilogram of rice costs around 3,000 KRW (2.58 USD). A dozen eggs costs around 3,000 KRW (2.58 USD). A kilogram of local cheese costs around 10,000 KRW (8.60 USD).
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Yeosu is relatively low. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 5,000 KRW (4.30 USD). A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around 20,000 KRW (17.20 USD). A cappuccino costs around 3,000 KRW (2.58 USD). A beer costs around 4,000 KRW (3.44 USD).
Utilities The cost of utilities in Yeosu is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is around 50,000 KRW (43 USD) per month. The average cost of water is around 10,000 KRW (8.60 USD) per month. The average cost of internet is around 30,000 KRW (26 USD) per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Yeosu varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is around 500,000 KRW (430 USD) per year. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around 1,000,000 KRW (860 USD) per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is around 1,500,000 KRW (1,290 USD) per year. The average cost of high school tuition is around 2,000,000 KRW (1,720 USD) per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Yeosu

"The cost of living in Yeosu is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other major cities in South Korea. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is moderately priced, while outside the city center, it is significantly cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite reasonable. Groceries in Yeosu are priced moderately with local markets offering fresh produce at lower prices. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is quite affordable, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Public transportation in Yeosu, like buses and trains, is reasonably priced and efficient. Taxis are also available and are moderately priced. Owning a car can be more expensive due to the cost of gasoline and maintenance. Healthcare in Yeosu is of high quality and is relatively affordable, especially for those who are covered by the national health insurance. Overall, the cost of living in Yeosu is lower than in cities like Seoul or Busan, making it an attractive place for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle in South Korea," said one expat living in Yeosu.

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

"I've been living in Yeosu 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 Dolsan-dong, Jinnam-dong, or Deokchung-dong. These areas are relatively cheaper compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Yeoseo-dong or Yeochon-dong.When it comes to transportation, the public transportation system in Yeosu is quite good, so you can save money by using buses and taxis instead of owning a car. A monthly bus pass costs around $50, and taxis are also quite affordable if you need to use them occasionally.For groceries and eating out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Local markets and supermarkets are generally cheaper than big chain stores, so try to do most of your shopping there. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local Korean restaurants and street food, but Western-style restaurants and cafes can be quite expensive.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Yeosu, like hiking in the nearby mountains, visiting the beautiful beaches, or exploring the city's parks and cultural sites. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies like going to the movies, attending concerts, or traveling frequently.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Yeosu is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment," commented an expat living in Yeosu.

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

"I've been living in Yeosu 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 Dolsan-dong or Jinnam-dong. 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 Yeoseo-dong or Deokchung-dong, but keep in mind that the rent in these areas can be significantly higher, sometimes reaching up to $1,500 a month.As for transportation, Yeosu has a decent public transportation system, including buses and taxis. A monthly bus pass will cost you around $50, and taxis are relatively cheap, with the base fare starting at around $3. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car, but that will add to your monthly expenses.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable in Yeosu, especially if you stick to local Korean restaurants. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $10 to $15, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can go up to $30 or more. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries can be a bit more expensive than in other parts of Korea, but still manageable within your budget.Entertainment options in Yeosu might be a bit limited compared to bigger cities like Seoul or Busan, but there are still plenty of things to do. You can visit the beautiful beaches, go hiking in the nearby mountains, or explore the city's cultural attractions. However, if you're used to a more vibrant nightlife scene, you might find Yeosu a bit lacking in that department.In terms of healthcare, there are several hospitals and clinics in Yeosu, and the cost of medical care is generally affordable, especially if you have health insurance. However, if you require specialized treatment or prefer to see an English-speaking doctor, you might have to travel to a larger city like Busan or even Seoul.Overall, living in Yeosu on a $3,000 a month budget is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and entertainment. If you're willing to make some sacrifices and adapt to a slightly different lifestyle, you can definitely make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful coastal city," said one expat living in Yeosu.

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

"I've been living in Yeosu for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might not even have to make too many sacrifices to make it work. Yeosu is a beautiful coastal city with a lower cost of living compared to bigger cities like Seoul or Busan.When it comes to housing, you can find a decent apartment in a nice neighborhood for around $500 to $800 per month. Some affordable neighborhoods to consider are Dolsan-dong, Jinnam-dong, and Geumodo-dong. These areas have a good mix of residential and commercial spaces, so you'll have easy access to supermarkets, restaurants, and other amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Yeoseo-dong or Yeochon-dong, as the rent prices there can be significantly higher.As for transportation, Yeosu has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and taxis. A monthly bus pass costs around $50, which is quite affordable. If you prefer driving, you can rent a car for about $300 to $400 per month, depending on the type of car you choose.Eating out in Yeosu can be quite affordable as well. You can find a decent meal at a local restaurant for around $5 to $10, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant might cost you around $20 to $30. If you prefer cooking at home, groceries are reasonably priced, and you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 per month on groceries.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of options in Yeosu. You can visit the beautiful beaches, hike in the nearby mountains, or explore the city's cultural attractions. Most of these activities are either free or have a minimal entrance fee. If you're into fitness, a gym membership will cost you around $30 to $50 per month.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Yeosu on a $5,000 per month budget is quite comfortable, and you won't have to make too many sacrifices to enjoy a good quality of life. Just be mindful of your spending, especially when it comes to housing and transportation, and you should be able to make it work without any issues," commented an expat living in Yeosu.

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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