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Seoul vs Busan

South Korea vs South Korea · 324 km apart

Seoul

South Korea

₩1,750,697 ($1,269)

single / month

VS

Busan

South Korea

₩1,516,127 ($1,099)

single / month

Cheaper overall

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseSeoulBusanCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.70$10.26Busan
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$46.80$41.04Busan
Cappuccino$3.51$3.08Busan
Monthly groceries (single person)$265$233Busan
Monthly public transport pass$42.90$37.62Busan
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$113$99.18Busan
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$32.76$28.73Busan
Fitness club membership$32.76$28.73Busan
Cinema ticket$8.58$7.52Busan
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$702$596Busan
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$489$415Busan
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,466$1,244Busan
Total single-person budget$1,269$1,099Busan
Average net salary$3,380$2,964

Verdict

Busan is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Seoul runs about $1,269 versus $1,099 in Busan — a difference of roughly 13%.

Salary-adjusted, Seoul leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in Seoul  ·  Full cost of living in Busan

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seoul cheaper than Busan?
No. Seoul costs an estimated $1,269 per month for a single person, about 13% more than Busan at $1,099.
How far is Seoul from Busan?
The straight-line distance between Seoul and Busan is approximately 324 km (201 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Seoul or Busan?
The estimated average net salary is $3,380 in Seoul and $2,964 in Busan. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,111 in Seoul versus $1,865 in Busan per month.