| 🏖 Busan | 🌶 Daegu | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living (single person, est. / month) | ₩1,325,000 | ₩1,083,000 |
| Cost index | Medium | Low |
| One-room rent (월세) | ₩500,000 | ₩360,000 |
| Officetel rent | ₩800,000 | ₩600,000 |
| Mid-range meal | ₩12,000 | ₩10,000 |
| Monthly transport pass | ₩55,000 | ₩52,000 |
| Home internet / month | ₩28,000 | ₩26,000 |
| Population | 3.4 million | 2.4 million |
| Internet speed | 200+ Mbps avg | 150+ Mbps avg |
| Best for | Beach lifestyle | Low cost of living |
Frequently asked questions
- Is Busan or Daegu cheaper to live in?
- Daegu is cheaper — about ₩1,083,000 per month for a single person versus ₩1,325,000 in Busan, roughly 18% less. The biggest difference is rent.
- Should I move to Busan or Daegu?
- Choose Busan for Beach lifestyle, Lower cost of living. Choose Daegu for Low cost of living, Friendly locals. Your visa, job and budget usually decide it.
- Which has a bigger international community, Busan or Daegu?
- Busan has the larger foreign community and more English-language services, which makes early settlement easier.
Arrival setup
Set up the essentials
Trusted services newcomers use to get connected and settled faster.
ShoppingAffiliate/referral link
Korea arrival essentials
Prepare bedding, towels, adapters, kitchen basics, toiletries, and first-week household items after arrival.
Browse essentials →Pre-arrivalAffiliate/referral link
Pre-arrival packing list
Universal adapters, document folders, packing organizers, luggage tags, and items to buy before flying.
Prepare before departure →ConnectivityAffiliate/referral link
Korea eSIM data
Get mobile data before landing so maps, translation, messaging, and transit apps work from the airport.
Compare eSIM plans →InsuranceAffiliate/referral link
Travel and arrival insurance
Compare short-term medical or travel coverage before long-term local insurance is settled.
Compare coverage →This page may include Coupang Partners affiliate links, and settlykorea may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, settlykorea earns from qualifying purchases.