Cost of Living in Seoul vs. Busan: 2025 Real Data Comparison

Are you deciding where to live in South Korea? Choosing between the bustling capital, Seoul, and the coastal metropolis, Busan, is a common dilemma for expats and digital nomads. In this guide, we break down the cost of living in Seoul vs. Busan using 2025 real data to help you make an informed decision.

While Seoul offers endless career opportunities, Busan provides a more relaxed lifestyle by the ocean. But how do they compare financially?

Read also: Best Neighborhoods to Live in Seoul for Expats (2025 Guide)

Is Seoul Much More Expensive Than Busan?

Yes, generally speaking, Seoul is about 20-30% more expensive than Busan. The biggest difference lies in housing costs. While food and transportation prices are relatively similar, rent and property prices in Seoul are significantly higher.

1. Housing and Rent Costs

Housing is the most significant expense in Korea. In 2025, the gap between Seoul and Busan remains wide.

Rent in Seoul

Seoul’s rental market is highly competitive. A standard one-room (studio) in popular areas like Gangnam or Mapo can cost between 800,000 KRW and 1,200,000 KRW per month, with a deposit (key money) ranging from 10 million to 20 million KRW.

Rent in Busan

Busan offers much better value. A similar studio in Seomyeon or near Gwangalli Beach typically costs 450,000 KRW to 650,000 KRW per month. You can often find larger apartments with ocean views for the price of a small shoe-box room in Seoul.

2. Food and Dining

Do you eat out often? Here is what you can expect to pay for meals.

• Seoul: An average lunch in the business district costs around 11,000 KRW to 15,000 KRW. A coffee at a nice cafe is roughly 5,000 KRW to 7,000 KRW.
• Busan: Local meals are slightly cheaper, averaging 9,000 KRW to 12,000 KRW. Seafood markets like Jagalchi offer fresh options at competitive prices, though tourist spots can be pricey.

3. Transportation Costs

Public transport is excellent in both cities, but there are slight differences in 2025 fares.

• Subway (Base Fare): Seoul (~1,500 KRW) vs. Busan (~1,450 KRW).
• Taxi (Base Fare): Seoul (4,800 KRW) vs. Busan (4,800 KRW). While base fares are similar, shorter travel distances in Busan often result in lower overall taxi bills.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a salary of 3 million KRW enough to live in Seoul?

Yes, 3 million KRW is a decent entry-level salary for a single person in Seoul. After rent and taxes, you will have enough for a comfortable lifestyle, though saving large amounts might be challenging compared to living in Busan.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Seoul or Busan?

If you prefer networking and fast-paced city life, Seoul is better. However, if you prefer a work-life balance with nature and lower costs, Busan is the superior choice for 2025.

Are utilities expensive in Korea?

Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) for a one-person studio typically cost around 150,000 KRW to 200,000 KRW per month in both cities, depending on air conditioning and heating usage.