Cost of Living in Pyongyang, North Korea
North Korea · Asia
$400
Monthly Cost
avg/person
15
Cost Index
NYC=100
10
Rent Index
NYC=100
18
Quality of Life
Poor
45
Safety Index
Below Average
3.0M
Population
KPW
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $1.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $6 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $0 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $1 |
| Cappuccino | $1 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.15 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $0.4 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Eggs (12) | $0.7 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $3 |
| Apples (1kg) | $1 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.3 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.15 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.05 |
| Monthly Pass | $3 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.1 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $0 |
| Toyota Corolla | $0 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $10 |
| Mobile Plan | $2 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $5 |
| Fitness Club/month | $5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $80/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $40/mo |
| 3BR Center | $180/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $100/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $300/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $150/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $60 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 5% |
View Cost of Living in North Korea
Cost of Living in Pyongyang — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Pyongyang, North Korea is approximately $400 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Pyongyang has a cost index of 15, making it around 85% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Pyongyang costs around $40/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $80/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $180/month. The rent index is 10 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Pyongyang scores 18/100 on the quality of life index and 45/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 30/100. The climate index is 52/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Pyongyang is approximately $60/month. With a purchasing power index of 12/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is KPW, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Pyongyang
The average monthly salary in Pyongyang is approximately $60. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $400, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 12/100.
Healthcare Costs in Pyongyang
Healthcare quality in Pyongyang is rated 30/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Pyongyang
Pyongyang has a quality of life score of 18/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Pyongyang
Students living in Pyongyang should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Pyongyang
Expats moving to Pyongyang often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Pyongyang, North Korea is approximately $400 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 15 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Pyongyang
Living in Pyongyang offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 15 and a quality of life score of 18/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $60 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Pyongyang provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in North Korea and around the world.
Key Facts About Pyongyang
- Average Monthly Cost: $400
- Cost Index: 15
- Rent Index: 10
- Average Salary: $60
- Quality of Life: 18/100
- Safety Score: 45/100
- Country: North Korea
- Currency: KPW
Is Pyongyang Expensive?
Pyongyang has a cost index of 15 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Pyongyang compare to other cities?
Pyongyang is located in Asia with a population of approximately 3.0M. At a cost index of 15 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Pyongyang stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pyongyang?
The average cost of living in Pyongyang, North Korea is approximately $400 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 15 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Pyongyang?
Rent in Pyongyang varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 10 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Pyongyang alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Pyongyang expensive to live in?
Pyongyang has a cost index of 15 compared to New York City (100). At 15, Pyongyang is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $400.
What is the quality of life in Pyongyang?
Pyongyang has a quality of life index of 18/100 and a safety index of 45/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a poor quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Pyongyang compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Pyongyang with any city worldwide. Pyongyang's cost index is 15 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Pyongyang?
Many residents live comfortably in Pyongyang with a monthly budget of around $400 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Pyongyang good for expats?
Pyongyang is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Pyongyang?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $400 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Pyongyang.
Is Pyongyang cheaper than New York?
Yes, Pyongyang has a cost index of 15 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Pyongyang?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Pyongyang.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Pyongyang
Cheapest Ways to Live in Pyongyang
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Pyongyang typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $40/month compared to $80/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Pyongyang, North Korea.
Is Pyongyang Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 12/100 and a quality of life score of 18/100, Pyongyang is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 15 relative to New York City, Pyongyang remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living North Korea has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Pyongyang Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Pyongyang", "Pyongyang monthly expenses 2026", and "is Pyongyang affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $400, a safety score of 45/100, and healthcare rated 30/100, Pyongyang offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to North Korea.
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