South Korea
Cost of Living in Busan
Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates
COL+Rent: 31.5Rent: 10.5Groceries: 65.9Restaurant: 28.3
Monthly Budget Estimates
Minimal
$790/mo
Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit
Typical
$1,134/mo
City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out
Comfortable
$1,417/mo
Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment
Monthly Costs Breakdown
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City Center) | $445 |
| Rent (1BR Outside Center) | $322 |
| Groceries (monthly) | $408 |
| Restaurant Meal | $9 |
| Transit Pass (monthly) | $38 |
| Utilities (monthly) | $108 |
Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Can You Afford Busan?
Compare Busan with other cities at specific budget levels:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Busan?
A minimal monthly budget in Busan is approximately $790, a typical budget is $1,134, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $1,417 per month.
How much is rent in Busan?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Busan city center costs approximately $445/month. Outside the center, expect around $322/month.
Is Busan expensive compared to New York?
Busan's COL+Rent Index is 31.5 compared to New York's 100, meaning Busan is about 69% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Busan?
Monthly groceries in Busan cost approximately $408. The city's Groceries Index is 65.9 (NYC = 100).