South Korea
Live cost-of-living data across 2 cities in South Korea — average cost index 32/100 (New York = 100), ranging from 25 to 39. Sourced by AI, refreshed regularly.
Cost of living by city in South Korea
Ranked cheapest first. Cost index anchored to New York = 100.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Korea cheap to live in?
Across 2 cities in South Korea, the average cost-of-living index is 32 (New York = 100) — from 25 in Busan to 39 in Seoul. It's meaningfully cheaper than the US and Western Europe.
What is the cheapest city in South Korea?
Busan is the most affordable city we track in South Korea, with a cost-of-living index of 25 (New York = 100) and a 1-bedroom city-center rent around $655/month.
Does South Korea have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. South Korea offers the F-1-D Workcation Visa, allowing stays of up to 1 year, with an application cost around $45. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration portal.
How much does it cost to live in South Korea per month?
A single person can live comfortably in the cheaper cities of South Korea for roughly $500–$700/month. Costs scale up toward Seoul. See the full city-by-city breakdown above.
Compare Busan with anywhere
Dig into any South Korea city, or see where your salary stretches furthest worldwide.