North Korea · Pyongyang

Cost of Living in Pyongyang, North Korea for Expats (2026)

Key Takeaway

Detailed 2026 cost of living in Pyongyang, North Korea: rent, groceries, transport, utilities, healthcare. Monthly budgets for singles (€1,975) and

Updated 2026-03-12 · Currency: KPW · Confidence: 50/100

Planning to move to Pyongyang? Here is a complete breakdown of the cost of living for expats in Pyongyang, North Korea as of 2026. All figures are in EUR for easy cross-country comparison.

Monthly Cost Snapshot

1BR Rent (Centre)
€950/mo
1BR Rent (Outside)
€720/mo
Groceries (Single)
€380/mo
Transport Pass
€20/mo
Utilities (85m²)
€85/mo
Internet
€120/mo
Health Insurance
€200/mo
Entertainment & Dining
€220/mo

Full Cost Breakdown

Pyongyang — Full Breakdown
1BR Apartment (Centre)€950/mo
1BR Apartment (Outside)€720/mo
3BR Apartment (Centre)€1,800/mo
3BR Apartment (Outside)€1,400/mo
Groceries (Single)€380/mo
Monthly Transport Pass€20/mo
Utilities (85m² Flat)€85/mo
Internet€120/mo
Health Insurance (Single)€200/mo
Entertainment & Dining€220/mo
Total Single (Centre)€1,975/mo
Total Single (Outside)€1,745/mo
Total Family of 4 (Centre)€3,800/mo
Total Family of 4 (Outside)€3,400/mo
Student Budget€850/mo

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Pyongyang in 2026?

A single expat living in central Pyongyang should budget approximately €1,975 per month, covering rent, groceries, transport, utilities, healthcare, and entertainment. A family of four needs around €3,800/month.

How much is rent in Pyongyang for expats?

A 1-bedroom apartment in Pyongyang city centre costs around €950/month. Outside the centre, expect to pay approximately €720/month. A 3-bedroom apartment in the centre is around €1,800/month.

Is Pyongyang expensive compared to other cities in North Korea?

Pyongyang has a cost index of 100% relative to the capital. Pyongyang is the only city we currently track in North Korea.

Related: North Korea Guide · North Korea Salaries · North Korea Cost of Living · Visa Comparison · Compare North Korea · All Countries

Data sourced from numbeo;expatistan. Last verified 2026-03-11.