Busan vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Busan is roughly 60% more affordable than Tokyo (index 25 vs 63, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Busan
More affordable overall
60% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 25 vs 63

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

25✓Cost Index63
2,550Median Income /mo2,800✓
74Safety Index88✓
18✓Income Tax %23
101✓Internet (Mbps)90
150✓Coworking /mo180

Price Breakdown

BusanCategoryTokyo
$655/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
47% cheaper →
$1,247/month
$2.05/liter
Meal for One
7% cheaper →
$2.2/liter
$10/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
17% cheaper →
$12/meal
$54/month
Monthly Transit Pass
23% cheaper →
$70/month
$173/month
Utilities (Monthly)
15% ← cheaper
$147/month
$60/visit
Doctor Visit
14% cheaper →
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Busan

Internet101 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability60/100

Tokyo

Internet90 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Busan cheaper than Tokyo?

Busan is cheaper than Tokyo. Busan has a cost of living index of 25/100 compared to 63/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 60% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Busan than Tokyo?

Busan is approximately 60% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (25 vs 63, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,205/month in Busan.

What is the rent comparison between Busan and Tokyo?

In Busan, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $655/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $1,247/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Busan or Tokyo?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Busan offers 101 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Tokyo offers 90 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Busan has a cost advantage of 60%.

What is the average income in Busan vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Busan is approximately $2,550 USD, compared to $2,800 USD in Tokyo.

Compare Busan with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Busan wins or loses.

Cities that cost about the same as Busan

Same spending tier, different part of the world — the head-to-heads people actually weigh when relocating.

Explore this comparison interactively

See radar charts, detailed category breakdowns, and compare any two cities in real time.

Free to start · No credit card needed