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

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

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

Cost of Living Tongyeong
Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 500,000 won per month, while outside the city center it is around 400,000 won per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 1,000,000 won per month, while outside the city center it is around 800,000 won per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 200,000,000 won, while outside the city center it is around 150,000,000 won. The average price of a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is around 400,000,000 won, while outside the city center it is around 300,000,000 won.
Transportation The cost of a one-way bus ticket is around 1,500 won. The cost of a one-way taxi ride is around 5,000 won. The cost of a monthly bus pass is around 30,000 won.
Groceries The cost of a loaf of bread is around 2,000 won. The cost of a liter of milk is around 2,500 won. The cost of a dozen eggs is around 4,000 won.
Restaurants The cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around 10,000 won. The cost of a meal at a fast food restaurant is around 5,000 won. The cost of a cup of coffee is around 3,000 won.
Utilities The cost of electricity for a one-bedroom apartment is around 50,000 won per month. The cost of water for a one-bedroom apartment is around 10,000 won per month. The cost of internet for a one-bedroom apartment is around 30,000 won per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of preschool tuition is around 1,000,000 won per year. The cost of elementary school tuition is around 1,500,000 won per year. The cost of middle school tuition is around 2,000,000 won per year. The cost of high school tuition is around 2,500,000 won per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Tongyeong

"The cost of living in Tongyeong 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. Groceries in Tongyeong are reasonably priced, with local markets offering fresh produce at lower costs. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant is also quite affordable, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Public transportation in Tongyeong is efficient and affordable, with buses being the primary mode of transport. Taxis are also available and are moderately priced. Healthcare in Tongyeong 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 Tongyeong is manageable and offers a good quality of life, especially for those who enjoy a slower pace and a close-knit community," said one expat living in Tongyeong.

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

"I've been living in Tongyeong 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 Sanyang-dong or Gwangdo-dong. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Mireuk-dong or Jungang-dong.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be quite expensive, especially if you're used to Western-style restaurants. I suggest cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. When you do eat out, try to stick to local Korean restaurants, as they tend to be more affordable.Transportation is relatively cheap in Tongyeong, so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting around. Buses are the most common mode of transportation, and a one-way fare is usually around 1,200 won (about $1). Taxis are also available, but they can be more expensive, especially if you're traveling long distances.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Tongyeong. You can visit the beautiful beaches, hike in the nearby mountains, or explore the local islands by ferry. There are also several museums and cultural centers that offer free or discounted admission.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like a gym membership or regular nights out at fancy bars and clubs. You'll also need to be more conscious of your spending on things like clothing and electronics.Overall, living in Tongyeong on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments to your lifestyle. By being mindful of your spending and taking advantage of the affordable housing and local activities, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this beautiful coastal city," commented an expat living in Tongyeong.

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

"I've been living in Tongyeong 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 Gwangdo-dong or Seoho-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 Mireuk-dong or Donam-dong, but keep in mind that the rent prices there can be significantly higher, sometimes reaching up to $1,500 a month for a luxury apartment.As for transportation, public transportation is quite affordable in Tongyeong, with bus fares costing around $1 per ride. Taxis are also relatively cheap, but if you plan on using them frequently, the costs can add up. If you're comfortable with it, I'd recommend getting a bicycle or even a scooter, as they're a more cost-effective way to get around the city.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food. A meal at a local restaurant will usually cost you around $5 to $10, while street food can be as cheap as $1 to $3 per item. However, if you prefer dining at fancier restaurants or eating Western food, the costs can be much higher. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce and groceries.Entertainment options in Tongyeong can be both affordable and expensive, depending on your preferences. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities, such as hiking, visiting local parks, and exploring the beautiful islands and beaches nearby. However, if you're into nightlife and clubbing, you might find that the options are limited and can be quite expensive.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Tongyeong is definitely possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using cost-effective transportation, and cooking at home, you can make the most of your budget while still enjoying the beautiful city of Tongyeong," said one expat living in Tongyeong.

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

"I've been living in Tongyeong 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 not have to make too many sacrifices at all. Tongyeong 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 Gwangdo-dong, Sanyang-eup, and Hansan-myeon. These areas are not only budget-friendly but also offer a good quality of life with access to markets, restaurants, and public transportation. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Mireuk-dong or Donam-dong, as the rent can be significantly higher there.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, dining out, and transportation are quite affordable in Tongyeong. You can easily get by with a monthly budget of around $300 to $400 for groceries and $200 to $300 for dining out. Public transportation is also cheap, with a one-way bus ticket costing around $1. If you prefer to drive, gasoline prices are reasonable, and parking is generally not an issue in most areas.In terms of entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of options in Tongyeong that won't break the bank. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or exploring the beautiful islands and beaches nearby. There are also cultural attractions like the Tongyeong Art Center and the Dongpirang Village, which are either free or have a minimal entrance fee.Of course, if you're used to certain luxury items or services, you might have to make some adjustments. For example, imported goods can be more expensive in Korea, so you might have to switch to local brands for some products. Additionally, while there are gyms and fitness centers in Tongyeong, they might not have all the amenities you're used to, and memberships can be a bit pricey.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Tongyeong on a $5,000 monthly budget is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You'll be able to enjoy a good quality of life without having to make too many sacrifices," commented an expat living in Tongyeong.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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