Cost of Living in Ilsan
Summary: If you're moving to Ilsan, understanding the the cost of living in Ilsan helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Category | Details | Cost |
---|---|---|
Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | ?700,000 - ?1,000,000 per month |
1-bedroom apartment outside city center | ?500,000 - ?700,000 per month | |
Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | ?6,000,000 - ?10,000,000 |
Price per square meter outside city center | ?4,000,000 - ?6,000,000 | |
Transportation | One-way ticket (local transport) | ?1,250 |
Monthly pass (regular price) | ?55,000 | |
Taxi starting tariff (normal tariff) | ?3,000 | |
Gasoline (1 liter) | ?1,500 | |
Groceries | Milk (1 liter) | ?2,000 |
Bread (500g) | ?2,500 | |
Rice (1kg) | ?4,000 | |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | ?10,000 | |
Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | ?7,000 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | ?40,000 | |
Fast food combo meal | ?6,000 | |
Utilities | Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment | ?100,000 - ?200,000 per month |
1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | ?200 | |
Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | ?30,000 per month | |
Private School Tuition | Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition, full day, private | ?5,000,000 - ?15,000,000 per year |
Elementary school tuition, private | ?10,000,000 - ?20,000,000 per year | |
Middle school tuition, private | ?15,000,000 - ?25,000,000 per year | |
High school tuition, private | ?20,000,000 - ?30,000,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ilsan
"The cost of living in Ilsan is considered moderate compared to other major cities in South Korea. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while those located outside the city center are relatively cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also moderate, and internet connection is usually affordable.When it comes to food, eating out in Ilsan can range from inexpensive to pricey, depending on the type of restaurant. Groceries are generally affordable, with local markets offering cheaper prices than supermarkets. Public transportation in Ilsan is efficient and reasonably priced, with options including buses, taxis, and the subway. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of gasoline and parking.Healthcare in Ilsan is of high quality and is relatively affordable, especially for those covered by the national health insurance. Fitness clubs and sports facilities are available at varying costs. Entertainment and leisure activities, such as cinema tickets, are also reasonably priced.Overall, the cost of living in Ilsan can be manageable, but it largely depends on one's lifestyle and spending habits," said one expat living in Ilsan.
Can I live in Ilsan on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Ilsan 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 Juyeop, Madu, or Baekseok. These areas are a bit more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Jeongbalsan or La Festa.When it comes to transportation, the subway and buses are quite affordable, so you shouldn't have any issues there. However, you might want to avoid taking taxis too often, as they can add up quickly. For groceries and eating out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Local markets and supermarkets like Homeplus or Emart are great for affordable groceries, and you can find plenty of cheap, delicious local food at places like kimbap shops and street food vendors.As for entertainment, you might have to cut back on some of your usual activities. Going out for drinks or to clubs can be quite expensive, so you might want to limit those outings or find cheaper alternatives like hanging out at local parks or attending free events. Additionally, you might have to skip out on some of the more expensive attractions like theme parks or concerts.In general, living on $1,500 a month in Ilsan is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. Stick to affordable neighborhoods, be smart about your transportation choices, and find cheaper alternatives for entertainment. With some careful planning and budgeting, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Ilsan.
Can I live in Ilsan on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Ilsan 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 your housing and lifestyle choices. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxurious apartment in one of the more upscale neighborhoods like Madu or Juyeop, but there are plenty of more affordable options in areas like Baekseok or Hugok.In terms of housing, you can find one-room apartments (also known as officetels) for around $500 to $700 a month, depending on the location and size. These are usually small but modern and come with basic amenities like a kitchenette, bathroom, and sometimes even a small washing machine. If you're looking for something a bit bigger, you can find two-room apartments for around $800 to $1,200 a month. Keep in mind that you'll also need to pay a security deposit, which can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the landlord's requirements.When it comes to transportation, the public transit system in Ilsan is excellent, with buses and subway lines connecting you to all parts of the city and even to Seoul. A monthly transportation card will cost you around $60, which is quite affordable. If you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of a car, insurance, and gas, which can add up quickly.Eating out in Ilsan can be quite affordable, with plenty of delicious Korean restaurants offering meals for around $5 to $10. However, if you're craving Western food, you might have to pay a bit more, as those restaurants tend to be pricier. Groceries are also relatively affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and avoid imported goods.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of options in Ilsan, from parks and cultural centers to shopping malls and movie theaters. Most of these activities are quite affordable, but if you're used to frequenting high-end bars or clubs, you might have to cut back on those outings to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Ilsan on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being conscious of your spending habits, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this vibrant Korean city," said one expat living in Ilsan.
Can I live in Ilsan on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Ilsan 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, I've found that my quality of life here is quite high, and I haven't had to make too many sacrifices. One thing you might want to consider is choosing a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas in Ilsan, like Ilsan-dong and Juyeop-dong, might be a bit out of your budget if you're trying to stick to $5,000 a month. However, there are plenty of more affordable neighborhoods, like Madu-dong and Pungsan-dong, where you can still find nice apartments and easy access to modern amenities.In terms of transportation, the subway system here is really efficient and affordable, so you won't have to worry about spending too much on getting around. Plus, there are plenty of buses and taxis available if you need them. As for food, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local Korean restaurants, but if you're craving Western food, it can get a bit more expensive. I've found that cooking at home is a great way to save money, and there are plenty of grocery stores and markets where you can find fresh produce and other ingredients.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on some of the more expensive entertainment options, like going to high-end bars or clubs. However, there are still plenty of affordable things to do in Ilsan, like going to the movies, visiting local parks, or checking out some of the city's many cultural attractions. Overall, I think you'll find that living in Ilsan on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you won't have to give up too much of the modern lifestyle you're used to," commented an expat living in Ilsan.
About the Author
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.