East Asia Updated
Average Cost of Living in Busan-South-Korea
The average cost of living in Busan-South-Korea, South Korea is $782 per month for a single person, and $2,171 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $646 per month. The local average net salary is $2,465 per month.
Very affordable
Updated today
Index 17.8 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $782 / month
- Family of 4
- $2,171 / mo
- Student
- $488 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Busan-South-Korea
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$2,465.43 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Busan-South-Korea | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Busan-South-Korea | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Busan-South-Korea | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Busan-South-Korea | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Busan-South-Korea | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Busan-South-Korea | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Busan-South-Korea | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Busan-South-Korea | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Busan-South-Korea | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Busan-South-Korea | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Busan-South-Korea FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Busan-South-Korea. |
Rent & Property Prices in Busan-South-Korea
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $646 | $468 – $816 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $327 | $307 – $435 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,187 | $1,003 – $1,705 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $638 | $602 – $1,103 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $9,683 | $5,521 – $19,650 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $7,040 | $2,456 – $13,423 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $646$468 – $816
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $327$307 – $435
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,187$1,003 – $1,705
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $638$602 – $1,103
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $9,683$5,521 – $19,650
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $7,040$2,456 – $13,423
Grocery Prices in Busan-South-Korea
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $2.11 | $1.47 – $2.34 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $2.84 | $1.67 – $4.68 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $2.80 | $1.67 – $3.34 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $2.39 | $2.01 – $4.01 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $9.86 | $8.69 – $10 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $9.36 | $5.35 – $11 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $22 | $17 – $30 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $10 | $6.69 – $11 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $3.26 | $2.67 – $3.34 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $7.26 | $5.01 – $10 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $5.32 | $2.01 – $6.69 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $5.35 | $2.01 – $6.69 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $2.98 | $0.67 – $4.68 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.51 | $1.00 – $3.34 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.17 | $0.27 – $1.67 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $17 | $6.02 – $33 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.16 | $1.34 – $3.34 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.09 | $2.01 – $4.68 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $3.01 | $3.01 – $3.01 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $2.11$1.47 – $2.34
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $2.84$1.67 – $4.68
- White Rice (1 kg) $2.80$1.67 – $3.34
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $2.39$2.01 – $4.01
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $9.86$8.69 – $10
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $9.36$5.35 – $11
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $22$17 – $30
- Apples (1 kg) $10$6.69 – $11
- Bananas (1 kg) $3.26$2.67 – $3.34
- Oranges (1 kg) $7.26$5.01 – $10
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $5.32$2.01 – $6.69
- Potatoes (1 kg) $5.35$2.01 – $6.69
- Onions (1 kg) $2.98$0.67 – $4.68
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.51$1.00 – $3.34
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.17$0.27 – $1.67
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $17$6.02 – $33
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.16$1.34 – $3.34
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.09$2.01 – $4.68
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $3.01$3.01 – $3.01
Public Transport & Car Costs in Busan-South-Korea
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $1.00 | $1.00 – $1.07 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $53 | $40 – $67 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $3.21 | $2.54 – $5.15 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $0.67 | $0.51 – $1.60 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $15 | $13 – $17 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.16 | $1.11 – $1.34 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $26,324 | $26,324 – $26,324 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,637 | $22,734 – $31,927 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $1.00$1.00 – $1.07
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $53$40 – $67
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $3.21$2.54 – $5.15
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $0.67$0.51 – $1.60
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $15$13 – $17
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.16$1.11 – $1.34
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $26,324$26,324 – $26,324
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,637$22,734 – $31,927
Utility & Internet Costs in Busan-South-Korea
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $171 | $134 – $267 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $36 | $17 – $52 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $27 | $23 – $30 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $171$134 – $267
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $36$17 – $52
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $27$23 – $30
Childcare & Preschool in Busan-South-Korea
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $568 | $267 – $869 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $19,513 | $13,373 – $31,349 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $568$267 – $869
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $19,513$13,373 – $31,349
Clothing Prices in Busan-South-Korea
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $94 | $53 – $100 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $59 | $47 – $67 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $84 | $53 – $100 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $114 | $53 – $134 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $94$53 – $100
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $59$47 – $67
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $84$53 – $100
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $114$53 – $134
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Busan-South-Korea
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $56 | $47 – $67 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $8.86 | $6.69 – $10 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $11 | $10 – $13 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $56$47 – $67
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $8.86$6.69 – $10
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $11$10 – $13
Restaurant Prices in Busan-South-Korea
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $6.69 | $5.35 – $8.69 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $38 | $33 – $47 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $5.95 | $5.35 – $6.08 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $3.51 | $1.67 – $4.01 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $5.01 | $2.67 – $6.69 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $3.24 | $2.34 – $4.35 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $1.71 | $1.34 – $2.67 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $1.27 | $0.67 – $2.01 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $6.69$5.35 – $8.69
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $38$33 – $47
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $5.95$5.35 – $6.08
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $3.51$1.67 – $4.01
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $5.01$2.67 – $6.69
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $3.24$2.34 – $4.35
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $1.71$1.34 – $2.67
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $1.27$0.67 – $2.01
Salaries & Mortgages in Busan-South-Korea
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $2,465 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 4.22% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $2,465
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 4.22%
Compare Busan-South-Korea with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
South Korea
Daegu-South-Korea
Monthly / 1 person
$792
vs NYC
18/100
South Korea
Geoje-South-Korea
Monthly / 1 person
$896
vs NYC
20.4/100
South Korea
Daejeon-South-Korea
Monthly / 1 person
$647
vs NYC
14.7/100
South Korea
Seoul-South-Korea
Monthly / 1 person
$1,017
vs NYC
23.1/100
South Korea
Bucheon-South-Korea
Monthly / 1 person
$543
vs NYC
12.3/100
Japan
Fukuoka-Japan
Monthly / 1 person
$773
vs NYC
17.6/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Busan-South-Korea?
- An estimated $782 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Busan-South-Korea. A family of four needs around $2,171 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $488.
- How much money do I need to live in Busan-South-Korea?
- Plan for at least $782 per month as a single person, $2,171 per month for a family of four, or $488 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Busan-South-Korea.
- What is the average rent in Busan-South-Korea?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Busan-South-Korea rents for around $646 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $1,187 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Busan-South-Korea?
- The average monthly net salary in Busan-South-Korea is around $2,465. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 26% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Busan-South-Korea?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Busan-South-Korea costs around $6.69. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $102 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($2.11/L) and bread ($2.84/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Busan-South-Korea?
- A monthly public transport pass in Busan-South-Korea costs around $53. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Busan-South-Korea?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Busan-South-Korea costs around $27 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.