Cost of Living in Busan, South Korea
South Korea · Asia
Cost of Living in Busan: Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Busan, South Korea is approximately $2,300 per month for one person. This page covers rent, groceries, transportation, utilities, salaries and quality of life. The cost of living index is 66, using New York City as the 100-point benchmark.
$2,300
Monthly Cost
avg/person
66
Cost Index
NYC = 100
58
Rent Index
NYC = 100
80
Quality of Life
Excellent
82
Safety Index
Excellent
3.4M
Population
KRW
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $6.5 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $30 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $6 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $3 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4.5 |
| Cappuccino | $3.8 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1.8 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.9 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.9 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $28 |
| Apples (1kg) | $5.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $2.3 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.9 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.2 |
| Monthly Pass | $50 |
| Taxi 1km | $1.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.6 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $31000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $21500 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $125 |
| Mobile Plan | $38 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $24 |
| Fitness Club/month | $50 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,200/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $750/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,600/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,500/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $8,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $5,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2300 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.5% |
Cost of Living in Busan: Complete Guide
The cost of living in Busan, South Korea, depends mainly on housing, transportation, food, utilities and lifestyle. The estimated monthly cost for one person is $2,300. The city's cost of living index is 66, compared with a New York City benchmark of 100.
Monthly Expenses in Busan
A typical monthly budget in Busan includes rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and other everyday expenses. Housing is usually one of the largest parts of the monthly budget.
Rent and Housing Costs in Busan
A one-bedroom apartment outside the city center costs approximately $750 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,200. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,600 per month.
Average Salary in Busan
The average net salary in Busan is approximately $2,300 per month. Purchasing power is rated 74out of 100.
Is Busan Expensive to Live In?
With a cost of living index of 66,Busan is less expensive than the New York City benchmark. Housing, groceries and transportation are important factors when comparing the total monthly cost.
Quality of Life in Busan
Safety
Busan has a safety score of 82/100. Safety is one of the factors to consider when comparing living costs and choosing a city.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Busan is rated 86/100. Healthcare access and medical costs can affect the total monthly budget for residents and families.
Climate
The climate index for Busan is 68/100. Climate and seasonal conditions can influence housing, transport and lifestyle expenses.
Purchasing Power
Busan has a purchasing power score of 74/100. Comparing salary levels with living expenses provides a better picture of affordability than looking at rent alone.
Living in Busan
Cost of Living for Students
Students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities and study expenses. Shared housing and public transportation may reduce monthly expenses.
Cost of Living for Expats
Expats considering Busan should compare rent, healthcare, transportation, taxes, groceries and salary levels before relocating.
Cost of Living for Remote Workers
Remote workers can compare housing, transportation, internet, food and purchasing power to estimate whether Busan fits their monthly budget.
Is Busan Affordable?
Affordability depends on income and housing choices. The cost index of 66provides a useful benchmark when comparing Busan with other cities.
Key Cost of Living Facts for Busan
- Average Monthly Cost
- $2,300
- Cost Index
- 66
- Rent Index
- 58
- Average Net Salary
- $2,300
- Quality of Life
- 80/100
- Safety
- 82/100
- Healthcare
- 86/100
- Currency
- KRW
Frequently Asked Questions About Busan
What is the cost of living in Busan?
The estimated cost of living in Busan, South Korea, is approximately $2,300 per month for one person. This estimate includes major living expenses such as housing, food, transportation and utilities.
How much is rent in Busan?
A one-bedroom apartment outside the center costs approximately $750 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs about $1,200.
Is Busan expensive to live in?
Busan has a cost index of 66 compared with New York City's benchmark of 100. The overall affordability depends on housing, salary and lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Busan?
The average net salary in Busan is approximately $2,300 per month.
Is Busan good for expats?
Expats should evaluate housing, salaries, transportation, healthcare, safety and quality of life before deciding whether Busan is suitable for relocation.