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Cost of Living in Busan

Busan, Busan, South Korea · Population 3,453,198

▲ +8% vs South Korea average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₩1,516,127 ($1,099)
Couple, monthly₩2,751,949 ($1,994)
Family of four, monthly₩3,617,674 ($2,622)

Estimated Prices in Busan

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₩14,159 ($10.26)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₩56,635 ($41.04)per meal
Cappuccino₩4,248 ($3.08)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₩320,933 ($233)per month
Monthly public transport pass₩51,916 ($37.62)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₩136,868 ($99.18)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₩39,645 ($28.73)per month
Fitness club membership₩39,645 ($28.73)per month
Cinema ticket₩10,383 ($7.52)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₩822,547 ($596)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₩572,207 ($415)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₩1,716,620 ($1,244)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Busan is ₩4,090,320 ($2,964) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₩1,516,127 ($1,099) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₩1,970,964 ($1,428) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₩572,207 ($415)) represents about 38% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Busan

Busan vs SeoulBusan vs IncheonBusan vs DaeguBusan vs GwangjuBusan vs DaejeonBusan vs Suwon

Nearby Cities

Yangsan

18 km away · Gyeongnam

Kimhae

19 km away · Gyeongnam

Seosaeng

30 km away · Ulsan

Daean

31 km away · Ulsan

Changwon

36 km away · Gyeongnam

Eonyang

44 km away · Ulsan

Miryang

46 km away · Gyeongnam

Ulsan

47 km away · Ulsan

Other Major Cities in South Korea

Seoul

Seoul · pop. 23,016,000

₩1,750,697 ($1,269) / mo

Incheon

Incheon · pop. 3,049,315

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Daegu

Daegu · pop. 2,444,412

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Gwangju

Gwangju · pop. 1,490,092

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Daejeon

Daejeon · pop. 1,475,221

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Suwon

Gyeonggi · pop. 1,234,300

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Ulsan

Ulsan · pop. 1,127,553

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Tongjin

Gyeonggi · pop. 1,084,817

₩1,516,127 ($1,099) / mo

Living in Busan

Busan is one of the key cities in South Korea. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₩1,516,127 ($1,099), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₩572,207 ($415) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₩3,617,674 ($2,622) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₩2,751,949 ($1,994) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Busan is ₩4,090,320 ($2,964). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₩1,970,964 ($1,428) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Busan expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₩1,516,127 ($1,099) per month in Busan including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for South Korea.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Busan?
A net salary of around ₩1,970,964 ($1,428) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Busan with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Busan is ₩4,090,320 ($2,964).
How much is rent in Busan?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₩822,547 ($596) per month in the city centre and ₩572,207 ($415) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₩1,716,620 ($1,244).
Is Busan cheaper than South Korea on average?
No — Busan is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the South Korea average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Busan?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₩320,933 ($233) in Busan. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₩14,159 ($10) and a cappuccino runs around ₩4,248 ($3).
How do transport costs in Busan compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Busan is estimated at ₩51,916 ($38). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Busan are estimates based on South Korea national averages adjusted for city size (population 3,453,198). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.