“Which option is cheapest for a month?”
When business or a job move requires short-term housing, this is the first question people ask.
Hotels are comfortable but costly for a month. Regular studios need large deposits. Platforms like SamsamM2 have varied terms that are hard to compare.
This article lays out realistic monthly costs for short-term stay options.
Why short-term rental costs are confusing
The same “₩600,000 rent” can mean very different out-of-pocket costs depending on what’s included.
When comparing costs, check these items:
① Deposit (initial cost)
② Monthly rent
③ Service/management fee
④ Electricity, gas, water
⑤ Internet
⑥ Move-in setup costs (if no appliances/furniture)
Add these up to get your real monthly expense.
Monthly cost by stay type (Seoul)
Approximate monthly costs:
| Hotel (3-star) | Regular studio | SamsamM2 | plott LIFE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Deposit | None | ₩5,000,000–10,000,000 | ₩330,000 | ₩0 |
Monthly rate | ₩1,800,000–3,000,000 | ₩450,000–800,000 | ₩500,000–1,000,000 | ₩500,000–1,000,000 |
Utilities & fees | Included | Separate ₩100,000–200,000 | Varies by listing | All included in rent |
Cooking & laundry | Limited | Available | Varies | Available |
Approx. total monthly cost | ₩1,800,000–3,000,000 | ₩550,000–1,000,000 + deposit | ₩830,000–1,330,000 | ₩500,000–1,000,000 |
※ Prices vary by area and property.
Source: SamsamM2 & plott LIFE sites, Ministry of Land transactions (2025)
How SamsamM2 costs actually add up
SamsamM2 is a well-known short-term rental platform. Based on public info:
Deposit: ₩330,000 (fixed)
Monthly rent: varies (generally ₩500,000–1,000,000)
Service/management fee: varies by listing (may be billed separately)
Contract period: minimum 1 week
The ₩330,000 deposit is much lower than regular studios, but management fees vary, so always confirm whether they’re included before signing.
Source: SamsamM2 official site (2025)
plott LIFE cost structure — what’s included?
plott LIFE uses an all-in-one rent model.
Deposit: ₩0
Rent: includes electricity, water, gas, internet
No separate management fee
Full-option: furniture, appliances, and essentials included
Contract period: available from 7 days
No extra costs beyond rent makes budgeting simple.
Itemized comparison — SamsamM2 vs plott LIFE
| SamsamM2 | plott LIFE | |
|---|---|---|
Deposit | ₩330,000 | ₩0 |
Monthly rent | Varies by listing | Varies by listing |
Management fee | May be billed separately | Included |
Electricity, gas, water | Varies | Included |
Internet | Varies | Included |
Full-option | Varies | All included |
Source: SamsamM2 & plott LIFE (2025)
Hidden costs people miss
① Separate management fee
If management fees are billed separately, expect an extra ₩100,000–200,000 per month. Confirm inclusion before signing.
② Opportunity cost of deposit
Tying up ₩5,000,000 matters. That cash could be used for living or moving expenses.
The difference between ₩0, ₩330,000, and ₩5,000,000 deposit has a real impact on your finances.
③ Move-in setup costs
If the listing lacks appliances or furniture, initial setup costs rise. For short stays, prioritize full-option units (bed, desk, washer, stove, TV, AC).
FAQ — short-term rental costs
Q. Is SamsamM2 cheaper than a hotel?
A. For stays longer than a month, SamsamM2 is often cheaper than a hotel. But check whether management fees are billed separately per listing.
Q. Does plott LIFE really include management fees in rent?
A. Yes — electricity, water, gas, and internet are all included in the rent. No separate bills.
Q. Does price change if the contract is extended?
A. It depends on the platform. Confirm whether rates change on extension before signing.
Q. Typical monthly cost in Seoul?
A. Depends on area and conditions. Core areas like Gangnam, Seongsu, and Jamsil commonly cost ₩600,000–1,000,000+. Inclusion of utilities and full-option items greatly affects actual cost.
Don’t judge short-term rental costs by rent alone.
Deposit, management fees, utilities, and full-option contents together determine your true monthly expense.
plott LIFE — stop worrying about short-term rental costs with all-in-one rent
Zero deposit · All utilities & fees included · Full-option studio · Weekly move-in · Cooking allowed · All-in-one pricing
Start from zero deposit — if you couldn’t find the right option on SamsamM2, try plott LIFE.