RemoteScore

Cost of Living in Daegu

South Korea · All prices in USD

#244 cheapest of 366 cities · Updated March 2026

Expense Daegu vs Global Avg
Rent (1BR, city centre) $831 +56%
Rent (1BR, outside centre) $900 +154%
Meal (inexpensive restaurant) $12 -2%
Meal (mid-range, 2 people) $15 -71%
Coffee (cappuccino) $4 +10%
Monthly transport pass $49 -30%
Utilities (monthly) $111 -26%
Internet (monthly) $36 -10%

Budget Monthly Cost

$1,657

Outside centre, cheap meals, public transport

Comfortable Monthly Cost

$1,301

City centre, mid-range dining, coworking

Living Costs Explained

Daegu ranks #244 out of 366 cities for affordability. At $1,301/month for a comfortable lifestyle, it's 10% more expensive than the global average of $1,180. While not the cheapest option, Daegu offers value through its infrastructure, safety, and quality of life.

Accommodation Costs

Rent is typically 40-50% of a nomad's monthly budget in Daegu. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $831/month. Moving outside the centre saves approximately -$69/month, bringing rent to $900. Look for monthly rentals on local platforms for better rates than booking.com or Airbnb.

Food and Dining

Eating out in Daegu is reasonably priced, especially at local restaurants. A cheap restaurant meal costs $12, while a mid-range dinner for two runs about $15. Coffee culture is on par with Western prices at $4 per cappuccino.

Transport and Utilities

Monthly public transport in Daegu costs $49. However, the city is highly walkable (78/100), so you may not need a transit pass at all. Utilities (electricity, water, heating/cooling) average $111/month, and internet runs $36/month for a home connection.

Budget Breakdown by Lifestyle

Budget lifestyle ($1,657/mo): Rent outside centre, cook at home, cheap restaurants, public transport, work from cafes. Suitable for nomads focused on saving.

Comfortable lifestyle ($1,301/mo): City centre apartment, mix of home cooking and dining out, coworking membership ($204/mo), occasional activities and socialising. The sweet spot for most remote workers.

Cheaper Alternatives in East Asia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Daegu for digital nomads?
A comfortable monthly budget in Daegu is approximately $1,301, including city centre rent ($831), mid-range dining, transport ($49), and utilities ($111). This is 10% above the global average.
How much is rent in Daegu?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Daegu city centre costs around $831/month. Outside the centre, expect to pay $900/month — a saving of -$69.
How much does food cost in Daegu?
A cheap restaurant meal costs $12, a mid-range dinner for two around $15, and a cappuccino $4. Cooking at home can significantly reduce food costs.
Is Daegu cheap or expensive for digital nomads?
Daegu ranks #244 out of 366 cities by affordability. At $1,301/month, it's above the global average of $1,180, making it a reasonably priced destination.
What's the cheapest way to live in Daegu?
Budget nomads can live in Daegu for $1,657/month by renting outside the centre ($900), eating at cheap restaurants ($12/meal), using public transport ($49/month), and working from cafes instead of coworking spaces.

Cost estimates based on Numbeo and Expatistan median data for Daegu, South Korea. Prices in USD, updated March 2026. Actual costs vary by neighbourhood, lifestyle, and exchange rates. Back to Daegu overview.