Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the South Korea Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our South Korea Property Pack
The average monthly rent in Daegu is approximately ₩751,000 as of September 2025, making it one of South Korea's most affordable major cities for rental properties. Rental costs vary significantly across districts, with central areas like Suseong-gu commanding higher prices while suburban districts like Dong-gu offer more budget-friendly options starting from ₩300,000 for studios.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in South Korea, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Daegu's rental market offers affordable housing with central districts averaging ₩500,000-₩1,200,000 for family apartments while suburban areas provide studios from ₩200,000-₩400,000.
Rental yields range from 3-5% gross annually, significantly higher than Seoul's 1.5-3.5%, making Daegu attractive for property investors seeking positive cash flow.
| Property Type | Central Area Rent | Suburban Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/Officetel | ₩300,000-₩550,000 | ₩200,000-₩400,000 |
| 1-bedroom Apartment | ₩500,000-₩700,000 | ₩300,000-₩550,000 |
| 2-bedroom Apartment | ₩700,000-₩1,200,000 | ₩500,000-₩900,000 |
| 3-bedroom Apartment | ₩1,000,000-₩2,900,000 | ₩600,000-₩2,500,000 |
| Single-family House | ₩1,400,000+ | ₩650,000-₩1,200,000 |
| Per Square Meter | ₩8,000-₩10,500/m² | ₩5,500-₩7,500/m² |
What's the average rent across the main districts of Daegu?
As of September 2025, rental prices in Daegu vary significantly depending on the district you choose.
Central districts like Suseong-gu and Nam-gu command the highest rental rates, with average monthly rents ranging from ₩500,000 to ₩2,900,000 depending on property size and amenities. Jung-gu, the downtown core, follows closely with similar pricing structures for modern apartments and office buildings.
Suburban districts offer more affordable options for budget-conscious renters. Dong-gu and Buk-gu provide excellent value with studio apartments starting from ₩200,000-₩400,000 monthly, while family-sized apartments range from ₩600,000 to ₩1,800,000. These outer districts maintain good connectivity to the city center while offering more space for your money.
The overall city average sits at approximately ₩751,000 per month, making Daegu one of South Korea's most affordable major metropolitan areas for rental housing.
It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.
How does the average rent break down by property type in Daegu?
Rental costs in Daegu's housing market vary dramatically based on property type and location within the city.
| Property Type | Central Districts | Suburban Districts |
|---|---|---|
| Studio/Officetel | ₩300,000-₩550,000 | ₩200,000-₩400,000 |
| 1-bedroom Apartment | ₩500,000-₩700,000 | ₩300,000-₩550,000 |
| 2-bedroom Apartment | ₩700,000-₩1,200,000 | ₩500,000-₩900,000 |
| 3-bedroom Apartment | ₩1,000,000-₩2,900,000 | ₩600,000-₩2,500,000 |
| Single-family House | ₩1,400,000+ | ₩650,000-₩1,200,000 |
What's the typical rent by property size in Daegu?
Rental pricing in Daegu follows a clear pattern based on square footage, with central locations commanding premium rates per square meter.
The average rent per square meter ranges from ₩8,000-₩10,500 monthly in central districts, while suburban areas offer more affordable rates of ₩5,500-₩7,500 per square meter. This pricing structure makes Daegu significantly more affordable than Seoul's premium districts.
For specific size ranges, expect to pay ₩300,000-₩400,000 monthly for compact studios of 25-35 square meters. Mid-sized family apartments of 70-85 square meters typically rent for ₩1,000,000-₩1,300,000 in desirable neighborhoods.
Luxury apartments exceeding 120 square meters command premium rents starting from ₩1,800,000 monthly, with high-end properties in Suseong-gu reaching up to ₩2,900,000 for spacious three-bedroom units with modern amenities.
What is the total cost of renting when you include maintenance fees, taxes, and other charges?
Beyond base rental rates, tenants in Daegu should budget for additional monthly expenses that can significantly impact total housing costs.
Utility costs for a typical 85-square-meter apartment average ₩150,000-₩200,000 monthly, covering electricity, gas, water, and internet services. These costs fluctuate seasonally due to heating and cooling requirements.
Apartment maintenance fees range from ₩45,000 to ₩190,000 monthly depending on building amenities like gyms, security services, and common area upkeep. Luxury buildings with comprehensive facilities charge higher maintenance fees.
Property taxes in South Korea range from 0.07% to 5% annually, with higher rates applied to expensive luxury properties. While property owners typically pay these taxes, some landlords pass portions to tenants through monthly charges. Serviced apartments may include additional cleaning fees of ₩20,000-₩50,000 monthly.
Total additional costs typically add ₩215,000-₩440,000 to your monthly rent, representing a substantial portion of total housing expenses that renters must consider when budgeting.
Don't lose money on your property in Daegu
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
How do financing and mortgage payments compare to rental income for investors?
Daegu's rental market offers attractive investment opportunities with rental yields typically ranging from 3-5% gross annually, outperforming Seoul's lower yields of 1.5-3.5%.
For a typical Daegu apartment priced at ₩227 million, investors securing a 70% mortgage (approximately ₩159 million) face monthly payments of ₩660,000-₩850,000 depending on interest rates and loan terms. Current rental income often covers these mortgage payments while generating positive cash flow.
Lower-priced districts like Dong-gu and Buk-gu provide particularly attractive investment scenarios where rental income substantially exceeds mortgage payments. Mid-range apartments in these areas often yield 4-5% annually while requiring minimal additional capital investment from owners.
Houses typically generate lower yields of 1.0-1.6% due to higher purchase prices, while officetels and mid-range apartments provide optimal returns for property investors seeking regular income streams.
What are example monthly rents for different property types in central areas versus suburban neighborhoods?
Rental price differences between central Daegu and suburban areas clearly demonstrate the premium charged for location convenience.
In central districts including Suseong-gu, Nam-gu, and Jung-gu, studios rent for ₩450,000-₩600,000 monthly, while one-bedroom apartments command ₩500,000-₩700,000. Three-bedroom family apartments in these prime locations range from ₩1,300,000 to ₩2,900,000 depending on building quality and specific amenities.
Suburban districts like Dong-gu and Buk-gu offer significant savings for budget-conscious renters. Studios in these areas rent for ₩250,000-₩400,000 monthly, while one-bedroom apartments range from ₩300,000-₩550,000. Three-bedroom family apartments provide excellent value at ₩600,000-₩1,800,000 monthly.
The price differential between central and suburban areas typically ranges from 30-60%, with larger apartments showing the most dramatic savings in outer districts. Transportation infrastructure ensures suburban residents maintain reasonable commute times to central business districts.
What kind of tenant profiles are most common in Daegu, and what are they typically looking for?
Daegu's rental market serves diverse tenant demographics with distinct housing preferences and budget requirements.
Young professionals, particularly teachers and corporate workers, represent the largest tenant segment seeking modern apartments in central districts with good transportation access. This group typically prefers one to two-bedroom units with modern amenities and proximity to business centers.
University students constitute another significant market segment, primarily seeking affordable studios and shared housing near campus areas. They prioritize budget-friendly options and often accept smaller spaces in exchange for lower monthly costs.
Small families increasingly choose Daegu for its affordable housing costs compared to Seoul, seeking three-bedroom apartments near quality schools and parks. The growing expatriate community, including English teachers and international business professionals, typically prefers serviced apartments or modern units with international-standard amenities.
Tenant preferences consistently emphasize modern facilities, central locations, affordability, and proximity to transportation networks, with expatriates often willing to pay premiums for furnished units and English-speaking landlord services.
It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.
What are the current vacancy rates across different property types and areas?
Vacancy rates in Daegu's rental market reflect the city's dynamic supply and demand balance as of September 2025.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in South Korea versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
What rental yields can owners expect, and how do they vary by property type and neighborhood?
Rental yields in Daegu consistently outperform other major South Korean cities, making the market attractive for property investors seeking steady returns.
Overall rental yields range from 3-5% gross annually across different property types and neighborhoods. Mid-sized apartments in emerging districts like Buk-gu and Dong-gu typically achieve the highest yields of 4-5% due to affordable purchase prices combined with steady rental demand.
Luxury properties in premium districts like Suseong-gu generate slightly lower yields of 3-4% due to higher acquisition costs, though they offer greater capital appreciation potential. Single-family houses consistently underperform with yields of 1.0-1.6% because of elevated purchase prices relative to rental income.
Officetels and mid-range apartments provide optimal investment returns, combining reasonable purchase prices with strong rental demand from young professionals and expatriates. These property types consistently achieve 4-5% yields while maintaining lower vacancy rates than luxury segments.
How have both rents and yields changed compared with five years ago and compared with just one year ago?
Daegu's rental market has experienced notable fluctuations over recent years, with current trends showing stabilization after previous volatility.
Over the five-year period from 2020-2025, rents rose modestly with average annual increases of 1.4-7.1% through 2023, followed by declines of 2.5-3.9% in 2024 before stabilizing in 2025. This pattern reflects broader South Korean economic adjustments and local market corrections.
The one-year trend shows market stabilization after 2024's rental declines, with rents and yields reaching equilibrium levels by September 2025. Current rental rates have found sustainable levels that balance tenant affordability with property owner returns.
Yields have similarly stabilized after recent market adjustments, with investors now benefiting from affordable entry prices combined with steady rental income streams. The market correction period has created favorable conditions for new property investors seeking long-term returns.
What's the outlook for rents and yields in Daegu over the next one year, five years, and ten years?
Daegu's rental market outlook appears positive across all timeframes, driven by infrastructure development and growing expatriate population.
For the next year through 2026, rents are expected to recover modestly with increases of 3-5% as excess housing supply gets absorbed by growing demand. Yields should remain stable due to current affordable property entry prices creating favorable investment conditions.
The five-year outlook through 2030 shows stronger growth potential with average annual rent increases of 4-6% forecast. Major infrastructure investments including subway expansions and educational facilities are expected to drive demand, while government initiatives to attract international residents should boost rental markets.
The ten-year projection through 2035 anticipates strong growth if current infrastructure development and expatriate incentive programs continue. Daegu's development as a regional technology and education hub should support sustained rental demand and yield stability with modest appreciation as the city establishes itself as a major Korean metropolitan center.
It's something we develop in our South Korea property pack.
How does the Daegu rental market compare with other big cities in South Korea that have similar size and economic profiles?
Daegu's rental market offers compelling advantages compared to other major South Korean metropolitan areas in terms of affordability and investment returns.
Average monthly rents in Daegu of ₩751,000 significantly undercut Seoul's ₩1,122,000+ monthly averages, while remaining competitive with Busan (₩613,000) and Daejeon (₩701,000). This positioning makes Daegu approximately 24% less expensive than Seoul for both rental costs and overall living expenses.
Rental yields strongly favor Daegu investors, with gross returns of 3-5% annually compared to Seoul's disappointing 1.5-3.5% yields. Busan and Daejeon offer similar yields to Daegu but with slower capital appreciation potential due to smaller expatriate populations and limited infrastructure development.
Vacancy rates in Daegu run slightly higher than Seoul due to new construction supply, but the dynamic expatriate and student markets provide more diverse tenant bases than comparable cities. The combination of affordability, strong yields, and growth potential positions Daegu as South Korea's premier secondary city for rental property investment.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Daegu's rental market in 2025 presents exceptional opportunities for both tenants and investors seeking affordable housing in South Korea's dynamic real estate landscape.
With average rents of ₩751,000 monthly and yields reaching 3-5% annually, Daegu offers superior value compared to Seoul while maintaining strong growth prospects through infrastructure development and expanding expatriate populations.
Sources
- BambooRoutes - Average Rent South Korea
- Rentola Korea - Daegu Rentals
- Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Daegu
- TEAST - Teach English in Daegu
- BambooRoutes - Daegu Property
- BambooRoutes - South Korea Housing Market Forecast
- BambooRoutes - South Korea Housing Forecast
- BambooRoutes - Average Apartment Price Per SQM South Korea
- BambooRoutes - Daegu Property Investment
- A Broken Backpack - Best Places to Live in South Korea