North Korea
Avg. Rent (1BR)
$98.5
-94% vs US Avg
Safety Index
38.2
COL Index
15
There is no retirement visa for Americans in North Korea, and there is no legal path for you to move there as a private citizen seeking residency. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea does not permit foreign nationals to immigrate, own property, or establish permanent residence outside of highly controlled diplomatic or humanitarian work assignments. Even tourists face severe restrictions — you cannot travel independently, must be accompanied by government-assigned minders at all times, and have zero access to local currency, banking, or any semblance of normal daily life. Americans are specifically banned from entering the country under U.S. law without special State Department validation, and violating this carries criminal penalties.
If you somehow imagined living in Pyongyang, a city of 25.7 million people under total state control, you would have no internet access, no ability to communicate freely with family back home, no freedom of movement, and no legal protections whatsoever. There is no cost-of-living data to share because there is no market economy accessible to foreigners, no apartments you can rent on your own terms, and no scenario in which you would be making financial decisions like a normal expatriate. The government controls every aspect of daily existence, from what you eat to where you sleep, and the risk of arbitrary detention is not theoretical — it has happened to American citizens multiple times in recent years.
This country is right for absolutely no one considering a voluntary retirement or relocation from the United States.
Recommended Destinations in North Korea
Best for Retirees
Best for Geoarbitrage
Best for Remote Workers
- Capital
- Pyongyang
- Official Language
- Korean
- Time Zone
- UTC+09:00
- Region
- Asia
- Healthcare Index
- 19.8
- Internet Speed
- N/A
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🏙️ Top Cities in North Korea
Explore cost of living, walkability scores, and expat ratings for individual cities in North Korea.
CoL Index: 36
Est. Total: ~$800/mo
CoL Index: 28
Est. Total: ~$500/mo
How far does $2,500 go in North Korea?
With a monthly budget of $2,500, you can live comfortably in North Korea. After accounting for an average rent of $98.5, you have approximately $2,401.50 remaining for daily expenses.
Calculate your FIRE timeline with these costs →💰 Cost of Living in North Korea
Relative to New York City (NYC = 100). A lower number means it's cheaper.
Cost Comparison Notes:
Summary of cost of living in North Korea: The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $2,373.1 (2,055.9€), excluding rent. The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $635.3 (550.4€), excluding rent. Cost of living in North Korea is, on average, 19.4% higher than in Colombia. Rent in North Korea is, on average, 18.9% lower than in Colombia.
Can I afford to live in North Korea?
North Korea
You could save
2,266/mo
Monthly Costs
Attractiveness Scores
Based on national averages. City-level costs may vary. Browse cities in North Korea →
⚕️ Healthcare System
An estimation of the overall quality of the health care system. Higher is better.
Quality & Affordability:
North Korea claims to provide free universal healthcare, but reports indicate shortages of medicines, equipment, and trained personnel, leading to poor quality of care.
Insurance Insights:
There is no functioning health insurance system; healthcare is state-funded.
🛂 Visa & Residency Pathways
General Overview
Process & Requirements:
North Korea (DPRK) does not have an immigration system or long-term residency pathways for foreign nationals. It is one of the most isolated and controlled countries in the world. Foreign presence is strictly limited to diplomats, a very small number of staff from international organizations like the UN, and highly controlled tourist groups (when travel is permitted). There are no provisions for independent travel, work, retirement, or investment for the average individual.
All foreign nationals in the country are under constant supervision, and their movements are heavily restricted. The concept of applying for residency is non-existent. The score of 1 reflects the complete absence of any accessible or predictable system.
Residency & Citizenship Notes:
There is no pathway to permanent residency or citizenship for foreign nationals in North Korea. The country's laws on nationality are based exclusively on descent and do not have provisions for naturalization of foreigners. The idea of an expat becoming a permanent resident or citizen is legally and practically impossible.
Detailed Visa Options
🛡️ Safety & Stability
An estimation of overall safety level. Higher is better.
An estimation of the overall level of crime. Lower is better.
Reflects perceptions of political stability. Higher is better.
Safety Notes:
Crime Rate: Unknown. North Korea is a closed society with limited information available.
Types of Crime: Information not available.
Kidnapping Risk: Unknown; information is limited.
🏦 Taxation & Finance
Tax Treaties Notes:
No US-North Korea relations. Taxation data unavailable.
Retiree Tax Benefits:
Retirement by foreigners is virtually non-existent due to political isolation.
Cost Savings vs. U.S.:
Data unavailable. Not feasible for US retirees.
☀️ Climate & Environment
Our proprietary index for drinking water quality and sanitation. Higher is better.
Seasonal Variations:
North Korea experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are long and cold, while summers are short and warm with most of the annual precipitation occurring during this time.
😊 Quality of Life
Cultural Amenities:
Museums & Cultural Institutions
North Korea has several state-run museums, including the Korean Central History Museum in Pyongyang, showcasing the country's history and culture.
The Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang offers exhibits on the Korean War from the North Korean perspective.
Performing Arts
North Korea has a state-controlled performing arts scene, with performances held during national holidays and events.
The Moranbong Band is a prominent all-female musical group in North Korea, known for their performances at state events.
Cultural Festivals
The Arirang Mass Games is a large-scale gymnastics and artistic performance held in Pyongyang, showcasing North Korean culture and ideology.
The Day of the Sun, celebrating the birth of Kim Il-sung, is marked with various cultural performances and events.
Culinary Culture
North Korean cuisine includes dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and cold noodles.
The country's cuisine reflects its Korean heritage and available local ingredients.
🌐 Infrastructure & Connectivity
Our proprietary ranking of public transit accessibility and reliability.
Internet Reliability:
North Korea has extremely limited internet access with government-controlled infrastructure and restricted connectivity.
Speed & Quality: Minimal internet access for general population, with government-controlled speeds and content.
Availability: Virtually no public internet access, limited to government officials and select institutions.
Cost: Not applicable for general population due to restricted access.
Reliability for Remote Work: Not suitable for remote work due to extremely limited and controlled internet access.
Transportation Network:
North Korea has a state-controlled transportation system with limited access for civilians and international isolation.
Roads: Road network exists but private car ownership is extremely limited.
Rail: Extensive rail network serving the country, primarily for state-approved transport.
Domestic Travel: Very limited domestic flights; most approved transport is by state-controlled trains and buses.
Frequently Asked Questions about North Korea
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