Cost of Living in Busan, South Korea
South Korea · Asia
$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
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| 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% |
View Cost of Living in South Korea
Cost of Living in Busan — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Busan, South Korea is approximately $2,300 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Busan has a cost index of 66, making it around 34% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Busan costs around $750/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,200/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,600/month. The rent index is 58 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Busan scores 80/100 on the quality of life index and 82/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 86/100. The climate index is 68/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Busan is approximately $2,300/month. With a purchasing power index of 74/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is KRW, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Busan
The average monthly salary in Busan is approximately $2,300. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,300, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 74/100.
Healthcare Costs in Busan
Healthcare quality in Busan is rated 86/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Busan
Busan has a quality of life score of 80/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Busan
Students living in Busan should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Busan
Expats moving to Busan often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Busan, South Korea is approximately $2,300 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 66 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Busan
Living in Busan offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 66 and a quality of life score of 80/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $2,300 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Busan provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in South Korea and around the world.
Key Facts About Busan
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,300
- Cost Index: 66
- Rent Index: 58
- Average Salary: $2,300
- Quality of Life: 80/100
- Safety Score: 82/100
- Country: South Korea
- Currency: KRW
Is Busan Expensive?
Busan has a cost index of 66 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Busan compare to other cities?
Busan is located in Asia with a population of approximately 3.4M. At a cost index of 66 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Busan stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Busan?
The average cost of living in Busan, South Korea is approximately $2,300 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 66 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Busan?
Rent in Busan varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 58 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Busan alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Busan expensive to live in?
Busan has a cost index of 66 compared to New York City (100). At 66, Busan is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,300.
What is the quality of life in Busan?
Busan has a quality of life index of 80/100 and a safety index of 82/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Busan compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Busan with any city worldwide. Busan's cost index is 66 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Busan?
Many residents live comfortably in Busan with a monthly budget of around $2,300 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Busan good for expats?
Busan is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Busan?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,300 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Busan.
Is Busan cheaper than New York?
Yes, Busan has a cost index of 66 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Busan?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Busan.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Busan
Cheapest Ways to Live in Busan
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Busan typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $750/month compared to $1,200/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Busan, South Korea.
Is Busan Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 74/100 and a quality of life score of 80/100, Busan is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 66 relative to New York City, Busan remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living South Korea has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Busan Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Busan", "Busan monthly expenses 2026", and "is Busan affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,300, a safety score of 82/100, and healthcare rated 86/100, Busan offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to South Korea.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026