Cost of Living

South Korea

Live cost-of-living data across 1 city in South Korea — average cost index 25/100 (New York = 100), ranging from 25 to 25. Sourced by AI, refreshed regularly.

25/100
Avg cost index
Busan
Cheapest
1
Cities tracked
Yes
Nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa
F-1-D Workcation Visa
Stay up to 1 year · application ~$45 · see all visa countries

Cost of living by city in South Korea

Ranked cheapest first. Cost index anchored to New York = 100.

Busan25

Frequently asked questions

Is South Korea cheap to live in?

Across 1 cities in South Korea, the average cost-of-living index is 25 (New York = 100) — from 25 in Busan to 25 in Busan. 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 Busan. 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.