Cost Of Living For a Student in Incheon 2024

Average monthly spending for students in Incheon

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Incheon?

Students in Incheon spend around 2M KRW per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 310,000 KRW or as high as 14M KRW. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Incheon?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Incheon typically spend from 15% to 26% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 20% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 490,000 KRW with expenditure ranging from 75,000 KRW to 3.3M KRW. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Incheon ranges from 4% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 81,000 KRW with 13,000 KRW and 540,000 KRW being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 22,000 KRW to 950,000 KRW in a month on commuting with 140,000 KRW being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 5% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 11%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Incheon is 410,000 KRW. The cost of groceries can range between 63,000 KRW to 2.7M KRW. Students spend on average about 22% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 16% and 26% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Incheon allocate 5% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 19,000 KRW to 810,000 KRW with 120,000 KRW being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 16,000 KRW to 680,000 KRW with 100,000 KRW being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 3% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 19% of the monthly expenditure of students with 12% and 24% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 390,000 KRW per month with 59,000 KRW being the minimum spent amount and 2.6M KRW being the maximum.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

• 50% for needs and financial obligations

  This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

• 30% for wants and discretionary spending

  This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

• 20% for savings and emergency fund

  This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

Affordable living in Incheon

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Incheon?

Around 75% of surveyed students think that living in Incheon is affordable with proper budgeting while 25% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Incheon

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options61%

Few low-cost options39%

Based on the survey, 61% of the students living in Incheon have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked students of Incheon whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes70%

No30%

Based on the survey, 30% of the students living in Incheon said that they don't have an emergency fund while 70% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Korea (South)

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy66%

We asked student guardians and parents in Incheon whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 34% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 66% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.

Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether students of Korea (South) have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 39% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 61% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance39%

Easily manages finances61%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Incheon

Rent Cost in Incheon

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

360,000 KRW

540,000 KRW

1.5M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$270

$410

$1,100

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

540,000 KRW

870,000 KRW

2.2M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$410

$650

$1,600

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

730,000 KRW

1.1M KRW

2.9M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$540

$820

$2,200

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

870,000 KRW

1.5M KRW

4M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$650

$1,100

$3,000

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1.7M KRW

4.4M KRW

8.7M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,300

$3,300

$6,500

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1.5M KRW

2.2M KRW

6.2M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,100

$1,600

$4,700

House monthly rent cost

1.7M KRW

4.4M KRW

8.7M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,300

$3,300

$6,500

Villa monthly rent cost

2.2M KRW

5.4M KRW

8.7M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1,600

$4,100

$6,500

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Incheon ranges between 360,000 KRW and 1.5M KRW, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 540,000 KRW to 2.2M KRW. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 730,000 KRW and 2.9M KRW per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 870,000 KRW to 4M KRW. The average rent of a townhouse in Incheon is around 2.2M KRW while house rental costs can be as high as 4.4M KRW per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2.2M KRW to 8.7M KRW per month.

Apartment and house prices in Incheon

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

73M KRW

110M KRW

220M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$54,000

$82,000

$160,000

1-bedroom apartment price

87M KRW

150M KRW

540M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$65,000

$110,000

$410,000

2-bedroom apartment price

150M KRW

440M KRW

870M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$110,000

$330,000

$650,000

3-bedroom apartment price

480M KRW

730M KRW

2,200M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$360,000

$540,000

$1.6M

Townhouse price

620M KRW

1,500M KRW

5,400M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$470,000

$1.1M

$4.1M

House price

730M KRW

4,400M KRW

6,200M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$540,000

$3.3M

$4.7M

Villa price

870M KRW

4,800M KRW

7,300M KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$650,000

$3.6M

$5.4M

The average price of a studio apartment in Incheon can range from 73M KRW to 220M KRW depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 87M KRW to 540M KRW. A villa can cost you 4,800M KRW on average with prices ranging from 870M KRW to 7,300M KRW.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Incheon can be x128 to x224 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x128 multiples of the average monthly salary in Incheon.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Incheon is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 44% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Incheon

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Incheon

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

13,000 KRW

81,000 KRW

540,000 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$9.4

$61

$410

Internet and cable cost

21,000 KRW

41,000 KRW

55,000 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$15

$31

$41

Mobile phone bill and charges

16,000 KRW

27,000 KRW

82,000 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$12

$21

$62

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 81,000 KRW. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 21,000 KRW to 55,000 KRW with 41,000 KRW being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 27,000 KRW but can range between 16,000 KRW and 82,000 KRW depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Incheon is around 5.3%. This means that people pay 5.3% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2.1% to 9.5% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Incheon

Prices and cost of goods and services in Incheon

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

4,100 KRW

8,200 KRW

14,000 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.1

$6.2

$10

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Incheon is approximatly 8,200 KRW with meal cost ranging from 4,100 KRW to 14,000 KRW. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

14,000 KRW

21,000 KRW

42,000 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$11

$16

$32

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 14,000 KRW and 42,000 KRW with 21,000 KRW being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Incheon.

Fine dining meal for one price

28,000 KRW

42,000 KRW

170,000 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$21

$32

$130

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 28,000 KRW to 170,000 KRW with the average cost being 42,000 KRW for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Incheon.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

3,400 KRW

5,500 KRW

8,200 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.6

$4.1

$6.2

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Incheon is around 5,500 KRW. Price ranges between 3,400 KRW and 8,200 KRW depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2,700 KRW

3,300 KRW

4,100 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$2.1

$2.5

$3.1

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Incheon is 3,300 KRW. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 4,100 KRW and the minimum being 2,700 KRW depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

2,100 KRW

2,700 KRW

4,100 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.5

$2.1

$3.1

A dozen eggs costs around 2,700 KRW on average with 2,100 KRW and 4,100 KRW being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

4,700 KRW

6,000 KRW

8,600 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$3.5

$4.5

$6.4

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Incheon is between 4,700 KRW and 8,600 KRW depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 6,000 KRW.

Pack of beef price

5,500 KRW

8,200 KRW

16,000 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.1

$6.2

$12

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 8,200 KRW. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

2,200 KRW

3,000 KRW

4,300 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.7

$2.3

$3.2

A bag of rice in Incheon costs around 3,000 KRW on average with prices rangeing between 2,200 KRW and 4,300 KRW depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

820 KRW

1,100 KRW

2,100 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.62

$0.82

$1.5

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 820 KRW to 2,100 KRW. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1,500 KRW

1,900 KRW

3,200 KRW

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.1

$1.4

$2.4

A bag of apples costs 1,900 KRW on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Incheon is around 26%. This means that students spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 33% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students