Chongjin, North Korea
Chongjin is a city in North Korea with a population of 600,000.
Overview
Chongjin is a city in North Hamgyong with a population of 600,000. Chongjin is a city in North Korea with a population of 600,000. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4b growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs North Korea Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Chongjin vs North Korea Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 0.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₩ 900,000
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Population: 600,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 180/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 10°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: ₩7,000
- 1BR Rent: ₩35/mo
Cost of Living
Chongjin's cost of living index is 32 (North Korea average = 100).
| Category | Chongjin | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 32 | 100 | -68.0% |
| Housing | 17 | 100 | -83.0% |
Data source: Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₩7,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₩35/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₩44/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₩4 |
Data source: Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Chongjin:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₩0 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₩0 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₩0 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ₩0 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: National Utility Regulator, 2025
Remote Work Score
Chongjin scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Chongjin has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°F | 10°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 25°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 28°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Chongjin faces the following natural hazards:
Significant typhoon risk.
North Korea experiences severe winter storms.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
River flooding during monsoon.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 0%
- Property Tax: ~0% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Chongjin per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Standard academic calendar.
Demographics
The population of Chongjin is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Central Bureau of Statistics (2008)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chongjin, North Korea?
The cost of living index in Chongjin is 32, which is Lower the North Korea national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Chongjin?
The median home price in Chongjin is ₩7,000. The housing index is 17.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Chongjin is approximately ₩35/mo.
Does Chongjin, North Hamgyong have income tax?
Chongjin is in North Hamgyong, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Chongjin?
Chongjin enjoys approximately 180 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 10°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: National Statistics, 2024
- Utilities National Utility Regulator, 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.