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Pyongyang, North Korea
Capital City

Follows North Korea Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$800
Retiree Score
62.0
Safety Index
82.0
Healthcare
—

Forget the propaganda - living in Pyongyang means navigating heavy bureaucracy, harsh winters, and an omnipresent police state. With a population of 3,255,288, the city is dominated by the ruling Workers' Party, with 99% of residents being members or dependents. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the Ministry of Social Security alone employs 130,000 people. Winters are bitterly cold, with temperatures often below freezing from November to March. And the city's safety is ensured through an extensive network of security agencies, including the 30,000-strong Ministry of State Security. Pyongyang may look modern on the surface, but this tightly-controlled capital is only for the most dedicated believers in North Korea's regime.

Can I afford Pyongyang?

$

Pyongyang

You could save

2,200/mo

Savings Rate73%

Monthly Costs

Rent $350
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$450

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
73/100
Retiree Score
(i)
62/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets North Korea Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
82
Safety
0
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$5
Meal (Mid-range) $36
Cappuccino $1
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$64
Mobile Plan (mo) *$11
Gym (mo) *$77
Cinema Ticket *$5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $350
1BR Outside (mo) *$108
3BR Center (mo) $800
3BR Outside (mo) *$215

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Diplomatic Quarter (Munsu-dong)
Best For
diplomats

Expat Life Notes

Relocation is restricted to diplomats and international organizations under extreme surveillance and isolation.

Pros

  • ✓ Extreme safety (controlled)
  • ✓ Unique historical experience

Cons

  • ✗ Total lack of personal freedom
  • ✗ No independent movement
  • ✗ Complete international isolation

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
-11°C°C - 29°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1270 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Pyongyang

Click any question to expand the answer.

Pyongyang has a population of approximately 3,255,288 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $875 per month in Pyongyang, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $350/month.

The nearest airport to Pyongyang is FNJ, approximately 24km away.

Pyongyang is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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