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Busan vs Hoi An

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Busan

Busan

South Korea

$1,200/mo8.3/10
Hoi An

Hoi An

Vietnam

$735/mo8.2/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor
Busan
Hoi An
Winner
Total Monthly Cost
$1,200
$735
Hoi An
Rent (1BR)
$643
$393
Hoi An
Groceries
$350
$220
Hoi An
Transport
$60
$25
Hoi An
Healthcare
$120
$90
Hoi An
Safety Score
7/10
8.4/10
Hoi An
Internet Speed
200 Mbps
90 Mbps
Busan
NomadIQ Score
8.3/10
8.2/10
Busan

Overall Winner: Hoi An

Based on our comparison, Hoi An wins 6 out of 8 categories.Busan wins 2 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Busan and Hoi An, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Hoi An

$735/mo

Best Internet

Busan

200 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Busan

8.3/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Hoi An if budget is your top priority, or Busan if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Busan vs Hoi An

When comparing Busan and Hoi An for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Hoi An is the more budget-friendly option at $735/month versus Busan's $1,200/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Busan leads with 200 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Hoi An offers 90 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 8.4/10, Hoi An offers better security than Busan (7/10).

Overall: Busan earns a higher NomadIQ score of 8.3/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Hoi An is 39% cheaper than Busan.

  • • Busan rent: $643/mo
  • • Hoi An rent: $393/mo
  • • Difference: $250/mo

Safety Comparison

Hoi An has a higher safety score (8.4/10) compared to Busan (7/10).

7/10

Busan

8.4/10

Hoi An

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Busan offers faster internet at 200 Mbps vs 90 Mbps.

200 Mbps

Busan

90 Mbps

Hoi An

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Hoi An edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.

Busan: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Hoi An: Best for budget-conscious expats

Frequently Asked Questions: Busan vs Hoi An