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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Jeju Island 2024
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Cost of Living in Jeju Island

By Betsy Burlingame

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

Category Details
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: 500,000 - 700,000 KRW per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: 300,000 - 500,000 KRW per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 KRW per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: 700,000 - 1,000,000 KRW per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: 4,000,000 - 6,000,000 KRW
  • Price per square meter outside city center: 2,500,000 - 4,000,000 KRW
Transportation
  • One-way local bus ticket: 1,200 KRW
  • Monthly bus pass: 50,000 KRW
  • Taxi starting tariff: 3,000 KRW
  • Taxi 1km tariff: 1,000 KRW
  • Gasoline (1 liter): 1,500 KRW
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): 2,000 KRW
  • Bread (500g): 2,500 KRW
  • Rice (1kg): 4,000 KRW
  • Eggs (12): 3,000 KRW
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): 10,000 KRW
  • Beef round (1kg): 18,000 KRW
  • Apples (1kg): 5,000 KRW
  • Tomatoes (1kg): 4,000 KRW
  • Potatoes (1kg): 3,000 KRW
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): 1,000 KRW
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 7,000 KRW
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: 40,000 KRW
  • Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant: 6,000 KRW
  • Cappuccino: 4,000 KRW
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): 4,000 KRW
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): 5,000 KRW
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): 1,500 KRW
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): 1,000 KRW
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: 100,000 - 200,000 KRW per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): 30,000 KRW per month
  • Mobile tariff (1 minute of prepaid mobile local call): 200 KRW
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: 500,000 - 1,000,000 KRW per month
  • Elementary school tuition: 10,000,000 - 20,000,000 KRW per year
  • Middle school tuition: 15,000,000 - 25,000,000 KRW per year
  • High school tuition: 20,000,000 - 30,000,000 KRW per year
Please note that the prices mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location and time. It is always a good idea to research the current cost of living in Jeju Island before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Jeju Island

"The cost of living in Jeju Island, is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in South Korea. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while a similar apartment outside the city center is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also reasonable. Groceries in Jeju Island 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 people at a mid-range restaurant can be a bit more expensive. Public transportation in Jeju Island is also reasonably priced, with a one-way ticket on local transport being quite cheap. Taxis start at a moderate price, with an additional cost per kilometer. Healthcare in Jeju Island is of high quality and is relatively affordable. Fitness clubs and sports activities can be a bit pricey. Overall, the cost of living in Jeju Island is quite reasonable, making it an attractive place for both locals and expats," said one expat living in Jeju Island.

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

"I've been living in Jeju Island 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 Shinjeju, Yeon-dong, or Nohyeong-dong. These areas are relatively affordable and have good access to public transportation, shopping, and restaurants. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Jungmun or Seogwipo, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on food and entertainment. Eating out can be quite expensive in Jeju, especially if you're used to Western-style restaurants. I suggest learning to cook some simple Korean dishes at home and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can also find affordable meals at kimbap restaurants or street food vendors. For entertainment, consider taking advantage of the many free or low-cost outdoor activities that Jeju has to offer, such as hiking, biking, or visiting the beach.Transportation costs can also add up, so I recommend using public transportation whenever possible. Buses are relatively cheap and can get you to most places on the island. If you need a car, consider renting one for short periods rather than buying one, as the cost of ownership can be high.Finally, be prepared to adjust your lifestyle and expectations. You might not have access to all the modern amenities you're used to, and you'll need to be more conscious of your spending. But if you're willing to make these sacrifices, living in Jeju Island on $1,500 a month can be a rewarding experience," commented an expat living in Jeju Island.

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

"I've been living in Jeju Island 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 would recommend looking into areas like Seogwipo City or Aewol-eup. These areas are a bit more budget-friendly, and you can find a decent apartment for around $500 to $700 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider Jungmun or Jocheon-eup, but keep in mind that the rent prices in these areas can be quite high, sometimes reaching up to $1,500 a month or more.As for transportation, public transportation is quite affordable and convenient on Jeju Island. You can get a monthly bus pass for around $50, which will give you unlimited access to the island's bus system. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for about $300 to $400 a month, but keep in mind that gas prices can be a bit high.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food. You can easily find meals for under $10, and sometimes even under $5 if you're really on a budget. However, if you prefer to cook at home, groceries can be a bit more expensive, especially if you're looking for imported or specialty items. I would recommend shopping at local markets and discount stores to save on groceries.Entertainment options on Jeju Island can be both affordable and expensive, depending on your preferences. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities, such as hiking, visiting beaches, and exploring the island's beautiful nature. However, if you're into more upscale entertainment options, such as fine dining or high-end shopping, you might find that your budget gets stretched a bit thin.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Jeju Island 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 a more affordable neighborhood and taking advantage of the island's many free or low-cost activities, you can make the most of your budget and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle," said one expat living in Jeju Island.

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

"I've been living in Jeju Island 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 have to make too many sacrifices at all. Jeju Island has a lower cost of living compared to Seoul, so your money will go further here.When it comes to housing, you can find a nice apartment in a decent neighborhood for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. Some affordable neighborhoods to consider are Seogwipo, Aewol, and Gujwa. These areas have a good mix of local amenities, such as supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation, so you won't feel like you're missing out on anything.On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Jungmun and Hallim, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher. These areas are popular with tourists and have more upscale amenities, which can drive up the prices.As for other expenses, you'll find that groceries, dining out, and transportation are all quite affordable in Jeju. You can expect to spend around $300 to $400 a month on groceries, and eating out at local restaurants will usually cost you around $5 to $10 per meal. Public transportation is also cheap, with bus fares costing around $1 to $2 per ride.One thing to keep in mind is that if you're planning to travel frequently between Jeju and the mainland, the cost of flights can add up. However, if you book in advance and keep an eye out for deals, you can usually find affordable flights.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do on Jeju Island without breaking the bank. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, hike the famous Hallasan Mountain, or explore the island's many parks and natural attractions. There are also plenty of cultural experiences to be had, such as visiting traditional villages and museums.Overall, I think you'll find that living on $5,000 a month in Jeju Island 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 Jeju Island.

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.


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