North Korea🇰🇵
At a Glance
How North Korea compares across key indices
Cost of Living
39 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
62/100
Healthcare
36/100
Cost of Living
How far your money goes in North Korea
Cost of Living
39
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
9
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
45
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
37
100 = NYC dining
Safety & Crime
Moderate RiskHow safe residents feel in North Korea — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
62/100
Crime Index
38/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
52/100
Mixed perception
Walking Safety
14 point drop from day to night
Problem Severity
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
What Residents Worry About
Based on 43 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Cities
City Data Coming Soon
We're gathering city-level data for North Korea.
Freedom Abroad Newsletter
Insider knowledge on living abroad, new city guides, and cost updates.
Healthcare
Healthcare system overview for North Korea
Healthcare Index
36/100
Quality Breakdown
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 12 survey responses
Insurance Coverage
Limited data — some indices are not yet available.
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Environment
PollutedAir quality, water, and environmental conditions in North Korea
Pollution Index
76/100
Lower is better
Environmental Quality
Concerns
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 9 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
Transport & Commute
How people get around in North Korea
Average One-Way Commute
17minutes
Very Short
Traffic Index
82
Below average congestion
Inefficiency
65
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
2.9kg/trip
How People Commute
Based on 3 survey responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about living in North Korea, answered with data
What is the cost of living in North Korea?
North Korea has a cost of living index of 39 relative to New York City (100). It is significantly cheaper than the US.
Is North Korea safe for expats?
North Korea has a safety index of 62/100, making it generally safe for expats and travellers.
How good is healthcare in North Korea?
North Korea scores 36/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it limited in some areas by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Is North Korea cheaper than the United States?
Yes. North Korea's cost of living is roughly 61% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 91% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
What is the air quality and pollution like in North Korea?
North Korea has a pollution index of 76/100 (lower = cleaner). Pollution can be a concern in urban areas. Research specific cities before committing, as rural and coastal areas typically fare better.
Before You Go
Your pre-departure checklist for North Korea
Plan Your Move
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Set Up International Banking
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
Get Connected
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Book Your First Accommodation
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find Flights
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
Freedom Abroad helps you figure out the part nobody talks about: how to actually build a life in another country. Films, tools, and data. No fluff.
Learn about our mission