Cost of Living in Pyongyang
How much does it cost to visit Pyongyang? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Joshua Earle / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
USD 150
per day
Weekly: USD 1050
Monthly: USD 4500
Examples
- 🏨Yanggakdo Hotel (standard room)USD 80
- 🍽️Local cafeteria meal (e.g. bibimbap)USD 5
- 🚌Guided tour vehicle with driver (shared cost)USD 40
- 🎟️Visit to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War MuseumUSD 15
- 🎟️Walk around Kim Il Sung SquareUSD 0
- 🎟️Visit to the Juche TowerUSD 5
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
USD 250
per day
Weekly: USD 1750
Monthly: USD 7500
Examples
- 🏨Koryo Hotel (standard room)USD 120
- 🍽️Dinner at a mid-range restaurant (e.g. Korean BBQ)USD 25
- 🚌Guided tour vehicle with driver (shared cost)USD 70
- 🎟️Visit to the Grand People's Study HouseUSD 10
- 🎟️See a performance at the Mansudae Art TheatreUSD 15
- 🎟️Visit to the Arch of TriumphUSD 5
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
USD 500
per day
Weekly: USD 3500
Monthly: USD 15000
Examples
- 🏨Koryo Hotel (deluxe room)USD 200
- 🍽️Fine dining experience at a hotel restaurantUSD 60
- 🚌Private guided tour vehicle with driverUSD 150
- 🎟️Visit to the Korean Central History MuseumUSD 10
- 🎟️Private guided tour of the Mangyongdae Revolutionary SiteUSD 20
- 🎟️Souvenir shopping at a government-run storeUSD 10
Cost by Category
accommodation
100-300 USD (guided tours often bundle this)
food
30-80 USD (limited options, often included)
Transport
20-50 USD (guided transport only)
activities
50-150 USD (guided tours and entrance fees)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Pyongyang | Mid-range | At center | first-timers, culture |
| Moranbong District | Mid-range | Slightly less central | culture, families |
| Science and Technology Zone (near Mirae Street) | Mid-range | Slightly west of center | first-timers, culture |
Money-Saving Tips for Pyongyang
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Pyongyang Costs
How much does it cost to visit Pyongyang?
Budget travellers can visit Pyongyang for around USD 150/day (USD 1050/week). Mid-range travellers should budget USD 250/day, while luxury travel costs around USD 500/day.
Is Pyongyang expensive?
Pyongyang is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least USD 150/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Pyongyang?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Pyongyang, budget USD 250/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Pyongyang?
Budget travellers in Pyongyang can get by on USD 150/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.