Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Weigookin74]

That's the truth. Yes, things have gone up. But, I've been spending a month on the east coast of Canada, which is where I am now for a couple more weeks. (More pleasant weather here aside than in Korea.) Haven't been home for 4 years for a visit. It was very brief and I'm mostly remembering prices several years ago. Anyways, what I can tell you is about extreme sticker shock. Add the risen prices to the 13% HST. I use to buy a 1/4 pounder meal at Wendys for 5 bucks. Now, it costs 9 bucks. Gas was 99 cents a liter. Now, it's $1.35 a liter. A 591 ML fruit drink was a $1.70. Now, it's $3.00. A medium Tim Horton's coffee was $1.25. Now, it's $1.70. Clothes are not that much more than before. But, many clothes in Korea, except for Levi's and Polos are not that much more than before, especially with the fallen exchange rates.

Anyways, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Life over here in North America is definitely not what I remember it to be price wise. People here are friendlier than I remember and the skies in summer are bluer than I ever noticed before. These are good things, but living costs are absurd. Newer 2 bedroom apartments were 500 to 600 bucks and are now around 800 bucks. Some older ones can still be found for 600. So, an apartment in a bigger city like Calgary at $1300 and less taxes might not be that far off, especially if a car can be avoided.

So, I won't complain about Korean prices again, even if they have risen in the last few years. Most wages over here on the east coast haven't risen either. Nice scenery, but crappy living costs.

[Weigookin74]

Let me add that many clothing brands, Nike, New Balance, etc seem similar priced in both countries. But, I have been forced to cram the suitcase due to better fitting clothes that will be easier to wear in Korea.

[markness]

[northway]

Canada is expensive, this is nothing new. That doesn't mean that Korean prices aren't relatively high compared to other places, notably the States.

[Captain Corea]

I think it's semi-region dependant.

I just took a trip to Van, Vic and Calgary. Felt that Van and Vic were kind of pricey, but Calgary wasn't bad - I'm talking day to day stuff, groceries, gas.. etc

[Drew345]

Yeah, I'm in America now. I keep telling myself I am NOT going to pay $12 again for a meal, just $5 or $6 like in Korea (6000 - 7000 won). But even Taco Bell ran me $9 today (soooo much better than in Korea though). Go anywhere with a tip involved, and $12 is a minimum for a meal here.
(Oh the tipping,,, that's another story)

[crescent]

Region dependant. Just returned from Toronto yesterday and prices there for the most part including tax were less.

[World Traveler]

Buy your food at the grocery store. It's healthier that way. (And groceries in America are cheaper than groceries in Korea.)

Comparing cost of living- food, clothes, shelter (a decent place)- I don't think a slam dunk case can be made for either place (but I think America is slightly cheaper).

(I'm speaking about the U.S vs. Korea; I'm not familiar with Canada.)

[Who's Your Daddy?]

For some things it seems the comparison is like KIA to BMW. Restaurants are one of those. The restaurant costs more in Canada, but it's so much better food. Similarly when I go into a supermarket in Canada, the selection is unbelievable (one time I went in my local supermarket in Korea hungry, and didn't buy anything, I couldn't see anything I wanted to eat!)

The costs I notice in Canada (I'm planning to move back next year) for comparable things are:

condo fee for comparable apt. in Canada is $250 per month vs. 120 I pay here.
Car Insurance in Canada $1000 min. vs. $360 I pay here.
TV/Internet/Phone combo is $100 min p.m. vs. $40 I pay here.
Property tax is about $2000+ vs. $300 I pay here.
Day Care is about $1000 p.m. vs. $0 I pay here (govt. subsidy = $300 cost).

Okay, I guess TV is much better in Canada, and the day care is probably better too, but the others are apples to apples I think.

[World Traveler]

[Captain Corea]

I think it's a trade off on many items - but it's also related to your lifestyle.

Want to drink and smoke cheaply? Korea is far cheaper than Canada. Gotta fill up your tank of gas? I'd prefer to fill up in Alberta

[World Traveler]

That is true. Gas is double the price in Korea (roughly $7 a gallon). Healthy food like whey protein powder is really expensive here. Soju and cigarettes are cheap, but those are bad for a person's body. The air is more polluted in Korea too, so thinking about one's health is even more important here I think.

[misher]

Canada's urban areas have always been borderline pricey to outrageous. If you have a job that gives you annual raises and upward mobility, then the costs aren't that bad for what you're getting compared to the rest of the worldIMO.

If you're stuck in a job where you will only ever max out at 45-50k a year then ya, Canada will suck.



OP I hear what you're saying about Seoul and I agree. Thing is, prices are going up and they're going to keep going up in a place like that. Give it time and sooner or later things will be like Tokyo. You pay as much as Canad or more but get VERY little in return...Have fun with that.

The beer thing being $7 a pint is true, but if you're not into cASS sHITE or BO,

a run of the mill import lager will be 6-7,000 KRW. Not exactly cheap either.

[Weigookin74]

Korea, here I come.... (soon)

[Swampfox10mm]

Recently returned from a vacation in the USA. Prices were higher than a few years ago, but far cheaper than Korea.

Buy some toddler clothes at Walmart and compare to E-mart for a serious wake-up call, Waygookin74. Especially shoes.