Think Asia is affordable? This capital is officially the world’s most expensive city to live in, according to locals

A coffee, a drink, a night out—and suddenly your budget’s gone. Locals reveal why Seoul is officially the world’s most expensive city for everyday living.

Ever stepped out for “just a coffee” and returned home wondering where half your day’s budget disappeared? If that sounds familiar, you’ll feel right at home in Seoul. South Korea’s buzzing capital has just been crowned the world’s most expensive city for everyday living—at least when it comes to the small pleasures that make urban life exciting.

According to Time Out’s latest global survey, which asked locals across more than 100 cities to rate how affordable their daily lives feel, Seoul tops the list. And no, this isn’t about sky-high rents or grocery bills. The ranking looks at the real heartbeat of city living: eating out, grabbing a coffee, meeting friends for drinks, catching a movie, or heading to a gig after work. Basically, all the things you do when you say, “Let’s step out for a bit.”

Seoul is fast, glossy and relentlessly modern—and locals say that comes at a cost. Only 30% of residents surveyed felt dining out was affordable. Nights out fare even worse, with just 27% calling them budget-friendly, while a mere 21% said grabbing a drink doesn’t hurt the wallet. Even coffee, the city’s most “affordable” indulgence, feels expensive to many, with only 43% of locals saying it’s reasonably priced.

Based on Numbeo estimates, the average monthly cost of living in Seoul is about 1,507,132.7₩ (around Rs 92,522), excluding rent. For most residents, it’s not one big expense that stings—it’s the steady drip of small spends that add up faster than expected.

Because Seoul gives as much as it takes. Public transport is efficient and affordable, the city is safe at all hours, and there’s always something happening—be it a late-night food crawl, a pop-up art show, or a live music performance tucked into a basement club. One moment you’re hiking a mountain trail, the next you’re sipping a meticulously brewed latte in a minimalist café.

Veteran Seoulites get savvy. They hunt down neighbourhood eateries instead of flashy hotspots, take advantage of weekday deals, and start nights out at convenience stores, where drinks are cheaper and just as social. Free exhibitions, street performances and public festivals also help balance the budget.

That’s the real question. For many who live here, the answer is yes—even if it comes with a wince at the bill. Seoul may be the world’s most expensive city for everyday fun, but its energy, culture and constant buzz keep people stepping out anyway… even if it was never meant to be “just a coffee.”