North Korea is considered one of the most expensive countries to visit in the world. Due to its isolated economy and limited tourist infrastructure, prices for accommodation, food, and transportation are relatively high compared to other countries in Asia. The cost of living in North Korea is also affected by the country's strict regulations and limited access to foreign currency, making it challenging for tourists to budget their expenses. Compared to its neighbors, South Korea and China, North Korea is significantly more expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation and food.
The high cost of living in North Korea is also due to the country's unique political and economic system. The government tightly controls the economy, and the lack of competition and private enterprise leads to high prices and limited availability of goods and services. Additionally, the country's limited infrastructure and lack of modern amenities make it difficult for tourists to find affordable options for accommodation, food, and transportation.
Accommodation Prices
Type
Price Range (USD/night)
Notes
Hostel/Budget
$20-50
basic facilities, limited availability
Mid-Range Hotel
$100-200
decent facilities, but often outdated
Luxury/Resort
$300-500
high-end facilities, but limited options
Apartment Rent (monthly)
$500-1000
city center, limited availability
Food & Dining Prices
Meal Type
Price Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery
$5-10
Casual Restaurant
$15-30
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)
$30-50
Fine Dining
$50-100
Beer (local)
$5-10
Coffee
$10-20
Water (1.5L bottle)
$2-5
Transport Costs
Transport
Cost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride
$1-2
Taxi (per km)
$5-10
Domestic flight
$100-200
Fuel (per liter)
$1-2
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget ($)
Mid-Range ($)
Comfortable ($)
Rent
500
1000
2000
Food
300
600
1000
Transport
100
200
300
Utilities
50
100
200
Entertainment
100
200
500
Total
1050
2100
4000
Money-Saving Tips
Plan your trip carefully and book your accommodation and transportation in advance to avoid high prices and limited availability.
Consider staying in a hostel or budget hotel instead of a luxury hotel to save money.
Eat at local eateries or street food stalls instead of mid-range or fine dining restaurants.
Use public transportation instead of taxis to get around.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or hotels, as the rates are often unfavorable.
Bring a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or purchase a local SIM card to stay connected and avoid high roaming charges.
It's also important to note that the cost of living in North Korea can vary greatly depending on the location and the time of year. The capital city, Pyongyang, is generally more expensive than other parts of the country, and prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons. Additionally, the country's strict regulations and limited access to foreign currency can make it challenging for tourists to budget their expenses and find affordable options for accommodation, food, and transportation.