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Cost of Living Comparison (2026)
Seoul is 17% cheaper than Busan
Quick answer
Comparing Seoul, South Korea and Busan, South Korea: a moderate single-person monthly budget is approximately $2,100 in Seoul versus $1,750 in Busan. Seoul is roughly 17% cheaper overall. Central 1-bed rent: $1,000/mo (Seoul) vs $500/mo (Busan). Estimates use World Bank PPP data + national statistics + (where available) item-level price snapshots.
Key facts
| Lifestyle | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1,450/mo | $1,250/mo | -14% |
| Moderate | $2,100/mo | $1,750/mo | -17% |
| Comfortable | $3,150/mo | $2,650/mo | -16% |
Estimates for a single person. Based on World Bank PPP data and national statistics.
| Category | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (1-bed, center) | $1,000/mo | $500/mo | -50% |
| Groceries & Food | $420/mo | $350/mo | -17% |
| Dining Out | $140/mo | $120/mo | -14% |
| Transport | $45/mo | $35/mo | -22% |
| Utilities & Internet | $210/mo | $175/mo | -17% |
| Healthcare | $168/mo | $140/mo | -17% |
| Leisure & Personal | $147/mo | $123/mo | -16% |
Sources: KOSTAT, World Bank / KOSTAT, World Bank. Updated Jan 2026.
| Item | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loaf of bread (500g) | $3 | $3 | -6% |
| Milk (1 liter) | $2 | $2 | -5% |
| Eggs (12) | $3 | $3 | -5% |
| Chicken breast (1 kg) | $9 | $9 | -4% |
| Rice (5 kg) | $15 | $14 | -5% |
| Apples (1 kg) | $6 | $6 | -5% |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4 | $4 | -5% |
| Item | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bibimbap (local restaurant) | $7 | $6 | -7% |
| Fast food combo meal | $6 | $6 | -7% |
| Cappuccino | $4 | $4 | -7% |
| Beer (0.5L, restaurant) | $4 | $3 | -8% |
| Beer (0.5L, store) | $2 | $2 | -7% |
| Soju (bottle) | $1 | $1 | -7% |
| Item | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (Gangnam) | $1,000 | $620 | -38% |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside | $600 | $370 | -38% |
| 3-bedroom apartment, center | $2,200 | $1,365 | -38% |
| 3-bedroom apartment, outside | $1,400 | $870 | -38% |
| Item | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass (T-money) | $42 | $40 | -5% |
| Taxi start | $3 | $3 | -5% |
| Taxi per km | $1 | $1 | -5% |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | $1 | $1 | 0% |
| Item | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity, water, garbage (85m²) | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Internet (60+ Mbps) | $22 | $22 | 0% |
| Mobile plan (10GB+) | $35 | $35 | 0% |
| Item | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pair of jeans (Levi's) | $74 | $73 | -1% |
| Running shoes (Nike/Adidas) | $90 | $88 | -2% |
| Item | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership (monthly) | $45 | $45 | 0% |
| Cinema ticket | $10 | $10 | 0% |
| Item | 🇰🇷 Seoul | 🇰🇷 Busan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haircut (men) | $11 | $8 | -28% |
Explore more: Seoul city guide | Busan city guide | South Korea