Busan
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% |
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.
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.