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

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: If you're moving to Ulsan, understanding the the cost of living in Ulsan helps you know 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 Ulsan 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 an apartment in Ulsan is around 1.5 million won per 3.3 square meters. The average price for a house is around 2.5 million won per 3.3 square meters.
Transportation The public transportation system in Ulsan is very efficient and affordable. The basic fare for the bus is 1,200 won and the basic fare for the subway is 1,350 won. Taxi fares start at 2,400 won.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Ulsan is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around 1,500 won, a liter of milk costs around 2,000 won, and a dozen eggs costs around 3,000 won.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Ulsan is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around 5,000 won, a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 10,000 won, and a meal at a high-end restaurant costs around 20,000 won.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Ulsan is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity is around 30,000 won, the average monthly cost for water is around 10,000 won, and the average monthly cost for gas is around 20,000 won.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Ulsan varies depending on the school. The average tuition for preschool is around 1 million won per year, the average tuition for elementary school is around 1.5 million won per year, the average tuition for middle school is around 2 million won per year, and the average tuition for high school is around 2.5 million won per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Ulsan

"The cost of living in Ulsan 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 generally affordable.When it comes to food, dining out in restaurants in Ulsan can range from inexpensive to pricey, depending on the type of restaurant. Groceries, on the other hand, are reasonably priced, with local markets offering cheaper options than supermarkets. Public transportation in Ulsan is relatively affordable, with buses and taxis being the most common modes of transport. Owning a car can be quite expensive due to the cost of gasoline and parking fees. Healthcare in Ulsan is of high quality and is reasonably priced, especially for those covered by the national health insurance. Education, particularly international schooling, can be quite expensive.Overall, the cost of living in Ulsan can be manageable, but it largely depends on one's lifestyle and spending habits," said one expat living in Ulsan.

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

"I've been living in Ulsan 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 Samsan-dong, Mugeo-dong, or Nam-gu. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Haeundae or Seongnam-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 groceries. When you do eat out, try to stick to local Korean restaurants, as they tend to be more affordable.Transportation is relatively cheap in Ulsan, so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting around on your budget. Public transportation, like buses and subways, is very affordable, and taxis are reasonably priced as well. If you want to save even more, consider getting a bicycle or walking when possible.As for entertainment, you'll need to be selective about what you spend your money on. Going out for drinks or to clubs can add up quickly, so try to limit those activities. Instead, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available in Ulsan, like hiking in the nearby mountains, visiting local parks, or attending cultural events and festivals.In terms of other expenses, 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. Try to conserve energy by using fans or space heaters instead of central heating and cooling, and unplug electronics when they're not in use.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Ulsan is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, and being mindful of your entertainment and utility expenses, you should be able to live comfortably within your budget," commented an expat living in Ulsan.

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

"I've been living in Ulsan for a few years 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.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Nam-gu or Dong-gu. 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, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Haeundae or Songdo, as they tend to be more expensive and cater to a more upscale crowd.When it comes to transportation, public transit is pretty affordable in Ulsan. A monthly subway pass will cost you around $50, and buses are even cheaper. If you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of a car, insurance, and gas, which can add up quickly.For groceries and dining out, you can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month if you cook most of your meals at home and eat out occasionally. Local markets and grocery stores are generally affordable, but if you're looking for imported or specialty items, you might have to pay a premium.Entertainment can be a bit pricey in Ulsan, especially if you're into nightlife and going out to bars and clubs. A night out can easily set you back $50 to $100, depending on where you go and what you do. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, like hiking in the nearby mountains, visiting local parks, or exploring the city's cultural attractions.In terms of healthcare, you'll want to make sure you have insurance, as medical costs can be high without it. However, with insurance, you can expect to pay around $100 to $200 a month for coverage, depending on your plan.Overall, I'd say that living on $3,000 a month in Ulsan is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. If you're willing to live in a more affordable neighborhood and cut back on nights out, you should be able to live comfortably and still enjoy the modern amenities you're used to," said one expat living in Ulsan.

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

"I've been living in Ulsan 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. Ulsan is a pretty affordable city compared to Seoul or Busan, and you can find nice apartments in decent neighborhoods without breaking the bank.For example, I live in a two-bedroom apartment in the Mugeo-dong area, which is close to the university and has a lot of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby. My rent is around $800 a month, and I spend about $300 on utilities and internet. I also have a car, which costs me around $200 a month for insurance, gas, and maintenance. So, my total fixed expenses are around $1,300 a month.As for food, I usually cook at home, but I also eat out a few times a week. I spend around $400 a month on groceries and another $200 on dining out. There are plenty of affordable restaurants in Ulsan, especially if you're into Korean food. You can get a decent meal for around $5 to $10, and even fancier places won't set you back more than $30 per person.When it comes to entertainment and leisure, there's a lot to do in Ulsan without spending too much money. I usually spend around $100 a month on things like going to the movies, visiting museums, or attending concerts. There are also plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and biking, which are basically free.In terms of neighborhoods, I'd recommend looking into Mugeo-dong, Samsan-dong, or Nam-gu. These areas are relatively affordable and have a good mix of residential and commercial spaces. I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Haeundae or Marine City, as they cater more to the luxury market and can be quite pricey.All in all, I'd say my total monthly expenses come to around $2,000, which leaves me with $3,000 for savings or discretionary spending. So, as you can see, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Ulsan is definitely doable, and you won't have to make too many sacrifices to make it work," commented an expat living in Ulsan.

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

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