Busan
Tokyo

Busan vs Tokyo — Cost of Living Comparison

Busan
South Korea
VS
Tokyo
Japan
Estimated average living costs are ~89% lower in Busan

Busan

$1,800

avg. monthly cost

Population

3,400,000

Safety

80/100

Quality

72/100

Cost
62
Safety
80
Life
72

Tokyo

$3,400

avg. monthly cost

Population

13,960,000

Safety

86/100

Quality

80/100

Cost
82
Safety
86
Life
80

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~89% lower in Busan

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Busan

$1,800

estimated per month

Tokyo

$3,400

estimated per month

Difference

+88.9%

Monthly savings

$1,600

Yearly savings

$19,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Busan
Tokyo
70
Housing+113.0%
$713
$1,518
Food & Groceries+8.2%
$169
$182
Transportation+85.0%
$127
$234
Utilities+50.0%
$180
$270
Healthcare+88.1%
$18
$33
Entertainment+36.0%
$126
$171
Clothing+11.4%
$36
$40

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$141,667

+$66,667/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBusanTokyoDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$550.00$1,150.00
+109.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$350.00$720.00
+105.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,200.00$2,650.00
+120.8%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$750.00$1,550.00
+106.7%
ItemBusanTokyoDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$6.00$7.50
+25.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$35.00$45.00
+28.6%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$6.00$6.50
+8.3%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.50$2.10
-16.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$2.80$2.20
-21.4%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$4.50
+18.4%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.80$2.80
0.0%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$8.50$8.50
0.0%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$5.50$6.50
+18.2%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00$3.80
+26.7%
ItemBusanTokyoDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$45.00$100.00
+122.2%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$1.00$1.80
+80.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$2.80$4.50
+60.7%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.80$3.20
+300.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.40$1.35
-3.6%
ItemBusanTokyoDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$130.00$195.00
+50.0%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$28.00$35.00
+25.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$22.00$40.00
+81.8%
ItemBusanTokyoDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$18.00$35.00
+94.4%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$30.00$55.00
+83.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$8.00$15.00
+87.5%
ItemBusanTokyoDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$42.00$75.00
+78.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$9.00$13.00
+44.4%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$4.00$4.20
+5.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$4.50$5.00
+11.1%
ItemBusanTokyoDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$60.00$65.00
+8.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$30.00$38.00
+26.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$80.00$85.00
+6.3%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.