Data updated Oct 9, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 76)
Gimhae sits in South Korea's southeastern corner, a compact city of 534 thousand people just 17 km from Gimhae International Airport (CHF). The climate is humid subtropical, with mild winters and hot, muggy summers, and the city itself rests at just 20 m above sea level, giving it a flat, walkable feel. Expats tend to cluster in the Jang-yu and Nae-oe-dong neighborhoods, which offer easy access to local amenities and a small but welcoming expat community. The pace here is calmer than in nearby metropolises, yet the airport connection makes regional travel straightforward.
Living costs in Gimhae are remarkably gentle on the wallet. A single adult can get by on $767/mo at the budget tier, while mid-range comfort runs $1,109/mo and a more comfortable lifestyle lands at $1,363/mo. Rent outside the center starts at $500/mo for a one-bedroom, or $650/mo in the city center; a three-bedroom outside the center costs $950/mo, and $1,300/mo downtown. Utilities run $199/mo, internet is $27/mo, a mobile plan is $36/mo, and a gym membership is $60/mo. Meals are a steal: an inexpensive restaurant meal costs $7, a three-course dinner for two is $48, and a cappuccino is $4. The average local monthly net salary is $2,531/mo, which stretches far given the cost of living index of 62/100 compared to New York City.
Safety and healthcare are strong selling points. The safety index sits at 77/100, with a crime index of just 23/100, meaning violent and petty crime are both rare. Healthcare quality is rated good, and English is widely spoken, which eases everything from doctor visits to everyday errands. The air quality index is 55, moderate but manageable for most residents. For those weighing long-term plans, the overall expat score is 75/100, with a FIRE score of 71/100 and a retiree score of 61/100, reflecting a solid balance of affordability and livability.
For remote workers, South Korea's Digital Nomad Visa requires a minimum monthly income of $5,500/mo, a threshold that is high but attainable for established freelancers or salaried employees. Getting to Gimhae is simple via the nearby airport, which serves both domestic and international routes. The digital nomad score is 75/100, matching the overall expat score, and the average internet speed of 175 Mbps supports demanding workloads. This city suits travelers who want a safe, affordable base with good infrastructure, a small but connected expat scene, and easy access to the rest of Korea and beyond.
Get a free moving cost estimate for moving to Gimhae, South Korea. Takes 10 seconds.
How much are you shipping?
When are you moving?
Powered by Sirelo. Free quotes from international movers.
Gimhae at the budget tier comes to about $1,015 a month for one adult, with $500 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $181 on groceries, $30.00 on dining out, $41.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $263 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$500/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$181/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$30.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$41.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$263/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Gimhae at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,206 a month for one adult, with $500 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $241 on groceries, $74.00 on dining out, $128 on entertainment and lifestyle and $263 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$500/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$241/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$74.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$128/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$263/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Gimhae at the comfortable tier comes to about $1,622 a month for one adult, with $650 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $338 on groceries, $190 on dining out, $181 on entertainment and lifestyle and $263 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$650/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$338/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$190/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$181/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$263/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $650/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
See low-fee transfersWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Gimhae's cost of living compares with Iksan (Iri)
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Gimhae is genuinely safe for daily life. You'll feel comfortable walking at night in most neighborhoods, and the city has a strong police presence and low violent crime. The overall atmosphere is orderly and predictable—typical of South Korea's well-maintained urban environment. Expats report feeling secure in residential areas, though like any city, common sense about valuables applies.
Petty theft and pickpocketing are the main concerns, particularly in crowded transit hubs and markets. Scams targeting foreigners are rare but can occur in tourist-adjacent areas. Violent crime is extremely uncommon. Solo female travelers face minimal harassment compared to many countries. Avoid excessive displays of wealth, and be cautious in entertainment districts late at night, though danger is low even there.
South Korea is politically stable with reliable law enforcement and low corruption. Gimhae, as a port city near Busan, has no significant geopolitical tensions affecting daily life. Police are professional and responsive. The main consideration is North Korea's proximity to the peninsula generally, but this poses no practical risk to residents in Gimhae. Overall, this is one of the safest cities globally for American expats—an excellent choice for remote workers or retirees seeking security and order.
See how Gimhae's healthcare compares with Iksan (Iri)
Humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers.
A growing city with expanding coworking spaces and vibrant cultural scenes.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus Gimhae | Regus offers a reliable, professional environment with various locations in Gimhae. It's a good option for those needing a standard office setup and is located in a central business area, making it easily accessible. |
| JustCo Tower One | While technically in Busan, JustCo Tower One is close enough to Gimhae to be a viable option, especially for those willing to commute slightly. It provides modern facilities, a vibrant community, and is well-suited for digital nomads seeking a more dynamic workspace. |
| Coworking Space - Busan Station (Likely accessible from Gimhae) | This is a smaller, independent coworking space near Busan Station, which is accessible from Gimhae via public transport. It offers a more budget-friendly option with a focus on creating a collaborative atmosphere, ideal for those who prefer a less corporate setting. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Gimhae long-term? South Korea Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live legally with a minimum income of $5,500/month.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Gimhae? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
See nomad insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
See how Gimhae's digital nomad life compares with Iksan (Iri)
A satellite city to Busan. Many expats live here for factory work or teaching, enjoying lower costs than Busan while staying close to the hub.
Areas of Gimhae that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Lively, convenient, central location
Nae-dong is a central and bustling area with easy access to amenities and transportation. It's popular among younger Koreans and expats due to its affordability and proximity to shopping and dining. While convenient, it can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak hours.
Historic, traditional, local charm
Buwon-dong offers a glimpse into Gimhae's history and culture, with traditional markets and older buildings. It's less frequented by expats and more geared towards local residents. While charming, language barriers might be more pronounced, and English support is limited.
Modern, family-friendly, residential
Jangyu-dong is a newer, more planned area with modern apartments and family-friendly amenities. It's popular with young families and has a growing expat community. While more spacious and modern, it's further from the city center and requires reliance on public transportation or a car.
Authentic, cultural, budget-friendly
The old town area offers a more authentic Korean experience with traditional houses and local shops. It's a budget-friendly option but may require more effort to navigate due to limited English and older infrastructure. It's a good choice for those seeking a deeper cultural immersion.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $650/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
Many long-stay visas require proof of health insurance. Compare international health plans before you apply.
Compare health insuranceWe may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Earning over $5,500/mo? You may qualify for a South Korea visa.
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Click any question to expand the answer.
Cost-of-living and visa updates for Gimhae and the rest of South Korea. Free with RA Postcards.
By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to RA Postcards and special offers from Rewire Abroad and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.