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Pyongyang🇰🇵

North Korea · Cost of living & nomad guide 2026

Population
3,000,000
Timezone
Asia/Pyongyang
Nomad community
None

City metrics

📊 Data estimated — figures are based on published regional averages and are updated quarterly. Last verified: May 24, 2026

Financial

Rent 1BR (centre)$50.00/mo
Rent 1BR (outside)$30.00/mo
Rent 3BR (centre)$120/mo
COL index15 (vs Switzerland=101)
Cheap meal$2.00
Mid-range meal for 2$5.00
Monthly groceries~$100

Infrastructure

Internet speed0 Mbps
Internet reliability10/100
Healthcare index40/100
Coworking spaces~1

Lifestyle

Safety index5/100
Air quality70 AQI — Moderate
Walkability30/100
Climate score45/100
English proficiencylow
Source: OpenAQ · Global Peace Index · regional statistical agencies · Updated Live + annual

Nomad

Nomad communityNone
Visa easeimpossible
Budget score90/100
Lifestyle score8/100
Overall nomad score
8/100
Source: NoodlePants composite (World Bank ICP, Ookla, OpenAQ) · Updated Quarterly

What it's actually like here

Forget what you think you know about affordability – this city is genuinely cheap, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the center going for just $50 a month, and a decent meal for $5. But this isn't for your average digital nomad. The "nomad community" is non-existent, visa ease is "impossible," and English proficiency is low. Internet speed is effectively zero, and even basic reliability is a struggle. While there's a single coworking space, don't expect to be doing much remote work. Healthcare is basic, safety is a concern (according to travel advisories), and walkability is low. It's a place for those on highly specialized, government-sanctioned assignments, if anyone. The honest caveat? You'll be under constant surveillance, with virtually no personal freedom or digital access. Your lifestyle will be dictated, not chosen.

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Who this suits

Budget nomad

Featured neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood guides coming soon for Pyongyang.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Pyongyang as a digital nomad?+

As of 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment in the centre of Pyongyang averages around $50 per month, and the overall cost-of-living index sits at 15 (vs Switzerland = 101). Nomads typically budget extra for coworking, eating out, and travel.

Is Pyongyang safe for digital nomads?+

Pyongyang scores 5/100 on our composite safety index, which blends the Global Peace Index, crime stats and traveller-advisory data. Stick to well-known nomad neighbourhoods and avoid walking alone late at night.

How fast is the internet in Pyongyang?+

Headline average internet speed in Pyongyang is around 0 Mbps based on Ookla Speedtest data. That's enough for video calls, large file uploads and most remote-work needs in central neighbourhoods — coworking spaces and serviced apartments usually run faster than that.

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