Cost of Living in North Korea 2026 — Rent, Food, Tax & BudgetAll figures are shown in EUR for comparability. The local currency of North Korea is the North Korean won (KPW).
Monthly Living Costs in North Korea
Average prices from our cost dataset, re-checked on a rolling basis:
1BR Rent
per month, city average
3BR Rent
per month, city average
Groceries
per month, single person
Transport
per month, public transit pass
Utilities
per month, basic apartment
Meal Out
typical price per meal
Monthly budget (single person): €205 (1-bedroom rent + groceries + transport + utilities)
Monthly budget (couple): €255 (shared 1-bedroom rent, two of everything else)
These are national averages — actual costs vary by city and lifestyle.
How Expensive Is North Korea Overall?
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index (market data; higher = more expensive) | 10.1 |
Salaries by Sector
Typical gross annual salaries in North Korea from our sector dataset:
| Sector | Typical gross annual (EUR) |
|---|---|
| IT & Software | €2,500 |
| Finance | €2,000 |
| Healthcare | €2,000 |
| Engineering | €2,000 |
| Education | €1,500 |
| Hospitality | €1,500 |
| Construction | €1,500 |
| Retail | €1,000 |
Taxes in North Korea
Headline tax figures that shape your take-home pay:
| Tax | Rate / amount |
|---|---|
| Effective income tax at €90k gross | 10% |
| Net monthly pay at €90k gross | €6,000 |
| VAT / sales tax | 0% |
| Top personal income-tax rate | 10% |
Worked example: on a €90,000 gross salary, net pay is about €6,000 per month. After rent and essentials (€205), roughly €5,795 per month is left for savings and discretionary spending.
How North Korea Compares to Its Neighbours
| Country | 1BR Rent | Groceries | Transport | Cost index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Korea | €120 | €45 | €5 | 10.1 |
| China | €650 | €180 | €25 | 50.9 |
| South Korea | €650 | €210 | €52 | 57.6 |
| Russia | €650 | €300 | €35 | 43.1 |
Quality of Life Metrics
Beyond cost, these factors shape everyday life in North Korea:
Safety index
Healthcare index
Internet speed
English proficiency
Life expectancy
Expat satisfaction
What It Costs to Get In: Visas & Residence
Our engine estimates a minimum financial viability of €205 per month to sustain a move to North Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Korea expensive?
North Korea has a cost-of-living index of 10.1 (higher = more expensive). A 1-bedroom apartment averages €120 per month and a single person spends about €205 per month on rent plus essentials.
How much money do I need per month in North Korea?
About €205 per month covers rent and essentials for a single person (1-bedroom rent + groceries + transport + utilities). A couple sharing a 1-bedroom apartment needs about €255 per month.
What is the average rent in North Korea?
A 1-bedroom apartment averages €120 per month and a 3-bedroom apartment averages €250 per month in North Korea. Prices vary significantly between city centres and smaller towns.
What do people earn in North Korea?
Typical gross annual salaries in North Korea range from €1,000 (Retail) to €2,500 (IT & Software), based on our sector dataset.
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