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If you're looking to rent or invest in Daegu, understanding the current rental landscape is essential before making any decisions.
This guide covers everything from typical rents by unit size to neighborhood breakdowns, tenant preferences, and landlord costs in Daegu as of the first half of 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest rental market data for Daegu.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Daegu.
Insights
- Daegu studio rents average around ₩450,000 per month in January 2026, which is roughly 25% to 35% lower than comparable units in Seoul, making it attractive for budget-conscious renters.
- Suseong-gu commands the highest rents in Daegu, with 2-bedroom apartments often exceeding ₩1,000,000 monthly due to its top-rated school zones and newer apartment complexes.
- Daegu's rental market is unusually polarized: premium neighborhoods like Beomeo-dong can see rent increases while fringe areas stay flat or even decline.
- Properties within walking distance of Daegu Metro Line 2 stations typically rent 10% to 15% faster than those farther from transit.
- Student demand shapes Daegu's small-unit market more than in most Korean cities, with areas near Kyungpook National University seeing consistent studio demand year-round.
- The shift from jeonse (large deposit, no monthly rent) to wolse (smaller deposit, monthly rent) continues in Daegu, giving landlords more predictable monthly cash flow.
- Vacancy rates in Daegu range from under 5% in prime Suseong-gu to over 10% in oversupplied fringe areas, so location matters enormously for landlords.
- February and March are peak rental months in Daegu, driven by the Korean school year and job-start timing, so landlords listing then can expect faster leasing.
What are typical rents in Daegu as of 2026?
What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Daegu as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Daegu is around ₩450,000, which is approximately $335 USD or €310 EUR.
Most studios in Daegu fall within a realistic range of ₩350,000 to ₩600,000 per month (roughly $260 to $445 USD, or €240 to €415 EUR), depending on location and building quality.
The main factors that cause Daegu studio rents to vary are proximity to metro stations (especially Line 2), distance from universities like Kyungpook National University, and whether the unit is in a newer officetel building or an older one-room.
What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Daegu as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Daegu is around ₩600,000, which is approximately $445 USD or €415 EUR.
Most 1-bedroom apartments in Daegu fall within a realistic range of ₩500,000 to ₩750,000 per month (roughly $370 to $555 USD, or €345 to €515 EUR).
In Daegu, the cheapest 1-bedroom rents tend to be in areas like Seongseo and parts of Buk-gu, while the highest 1-bedroom rents are found in Suseong-gu neighborhoods like Beomeo-dong and near the downtown Jung-gu core.
What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Daegu as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Daegu is around ₩850,000, which is approximately $630 USD or €585 EUR.
Most 2-bedroom apartments in Daegu fall within a realistic range of ₩700,000 to ₩1,100,000 per month (roughly $520 to $815 USD, or €480 to €760 EUR).
The cheapest 2-bedroom rents in Daegu are typically found in outer parts of Dalseo-gu and northern Buk-gu, while Suseong-gu (especially school-zone areas like Manchon-dong) commands the highest 2-bedroom rents in the city.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Daegu.
What's the average rent per square meter in Daegu as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Daegu is around ₩16,000, which is approximately $12 USD or €11 EUR per square meter per month.
Across different neighborhoods in Daegu, the rent per square meter ranges from roughly ₩13,000 to ₩22,000 (about $10 to $16 USD, or €9 to €15 EUR), with smaller units commanding higher per-square-meter rates.
Compared to Seoul, where rents per square meter often exceed ₩30,000, Daegu offers significantly more affordable space, though it is roughly on par with other non-capital Korean cities like Busan and Gwangju.
In Daegu, property characteristics that push rent per square meter above average include newer construction, proximity to Line 2 metro stations, in-unit laundry and air conditioning, and location within Suseong-gu's premium school zones.
How much have rents changed year-over-year in Daegu in 2026?
As of early 2026, rents in Daegu have changed by roughly 0% to 1% year-over-year, meaning they have stayed essentially flat to slightly up.
The main factors keeping Daegu rent growth modest are continued housing supply from recent construction, softer demand compared to Seoul, and competition among landlords in oversupplied fringe neighborhoods.
This year's flat rent change in Daegu is similar to the previous year's trend, which also saw minimal growth as the city absorbed new housing stock while demand remained steady but not surging.
What's the outlook for rent growth in Daegu in 2026?
As of early 2026, the projected rent growth for Daegu is between 1% and 3% for the year, with a baseline expectation of slow and steady increases.
Key factors likely to influence Daegu rent growth include potential interest rate cuts that could encourage more renters into the market, continued structural shift toward monthly-rent contracts, and steady employment in Daegu's industrial and university sectors.
In Daegu, the neighborhoods expected to see the strongest rent growth are Suseong-gu (especially Beomeo-dong and Manchon-dong), along with transit-connected areas near Line 2 stations like Banwoldang.
Risks that could cause Daegu rent growth to differ from projections include an oversupply of unsold apartments keeping landlords competitive, weaker-than-expected job growth, or a national economic slowdown that dampens tenant demand.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in South Korea. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods rent best in Daegu as of 2026?
Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Daegu as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three neighborhoods with the highest average rents in Daegu are Beomeo-dong, Manchon-dong, and the area around Suseong Lake (Suseongmot), all within Suseong-gu, where 2-bedroom apartments often exceed ₩1,000,000 per month ($740 USD or €690 EUR).
These Daegu neighborhoods command premium rents because they combine highly-rated school zones, newer apartment complexes, access to parks and lifestyle amenities, and a reputation as the city's most desirable residential area.
The tenant profile that typically rents in these high-rent Daegu neighborhoods includes established families prioritizing children's education, higher-income professionals, and some expats seeking quality housing and safe, well-maintained communities.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Daegu.
Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Daegu right now?
The top three neighborhoods where young professionals prefer to rent in Daegu are the Dongseongno and Banwoldang area in Jung-gu, the Suseong-gu Office and Daegu Bank station corridor along Line 2, and the Seongseo industrial district in Dalseo-gu.
Young professionals in these Daegu neighborhoods typically pay between ₩400,000 and ₩650,000 per month (roughly $295 to $480 USD, or €275 to €450 EUR) for studios and 1-bedrooms.
These neighborhoods attract Daegu's young professionals because they offer walkable nightlife and dining (especially Dongseongno), easy metro commutes via Line 2, modern officetel buildings, and proximity to major employers in the industrial and service sectors.
By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Daegu.
Where do families prefer to rent in Daegu right now?
The top three neighborhoods where families prefer to rent in Daegu are Suseong-gu (especially Beomeo-dong, Manchon-dong, and Sinmae-dong), Dalseo-gu's Wolseong-dong area, and parts of Buk-gu with large apartment complexes.
Families in these Daegu neighborhoods typically pay between ₩800,000 and ₩1,100,000 per month (roughly $590 to $815 USD, or €550 to €760 EUR) for 2 to 3 bedroom apartments.
These neighborhoods attract Daegu families because they offer large apartment complexes with parking, access to parks and green space, established community infrastructure, and a safe environment for raising children.
The top-rated schools near these family-friendly Daegu neighborhoods include well-regarded elementary and middle schools in Suseong-gu, which has built its reputation as Daegu's premier education district, along with respected schools in the Wolseong-dong area of Dalseo-gu.
Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Daegu in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three areas near transit hubs or universities that rent fastest in Daegu are Sangyeok-dong near Kyungpook National University, the Banwoldang interchange area in central Daegu, and the Keimyung University and Seongseo corridor along Line 2.
Properties in these high-demand Daegu areas typically stay listed for just 10 to 25 days for studios, compared to 30 to 45 days in less connected neighborhoods.
The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of Daegu metro stations or universities is roughly 10% to 15% above comparable units farther from transit, which translates to an extra ₩40,000 to ₩80,000 per month ($30 to $60 USD, or €28 to €55 EUR).
Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Daegu right now?
The top three neighborhoods most popular with expats in Daegu are Suseong-gu for its comfort and modern buildings, Jung-gu for downtown convenience and dining options, and areas near major university and hospital campuses like those connected to Kyungpook National University.
Expats in these Daegu neighborhoods typically pay between ₩500,000 and ₩900,000 per month (roughly $370 to $665 USD, or €345 to €620 EUR) for studios to 2-bedroom apartments.
These neighborhoods attract expats to Daegu because they offer higher-quality housing stock, some English-speaking services, international restaurants, and relatively easy commutes to workplaces and hospitals.
The expat communities most represented in these Daegu neighborhoods include English teachers from the US, Canada, the UK, and South Africa, as well as professionals from other Asian countries working in education, healthcare, and industry.
And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Daegu.
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Who rents, and what do tenants want in Daegu right now?
What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Daegu?
The top three tenant profiles that dominate the rental market in Daegu are university students, young working professionals, and families with school-age children.
In Daegu, students make up roughly 30% to 35% of small-unit rental demand, young workers account for about 25% to 30%, and families represent around 30% to 35% of the overall rental market (concentrated in larger apartments).
Students in Daegu typically seek studios and one-rooms near campuses and metro stations, young professionals look for 1-bedroom apartments along the Line 2 corridor and downtown, while families prioritize 2 to 3 bedroom apartments in school-zone districts like Suseong-gu and Dalseo-gu.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Daegu.
Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Daegu?
In Daegu, roughly 60% to 70% of tenants prefer unfurnished apartments (especially families renting larger units), while 30% to 40% prefer furnished or semi-furnished options (mostly students and young professionals in studios and officetels).
The typical rent premium for furnished apartments in Daegu compared to unfurnished is around ₩50,000 to ₩100,000 per month (roughly $37 to $75 USD, or €35 to €70 EUR), depending on the quality and completeness of furnishings.
In Daegu, the tenant profiles that tend to prefer furnished rentals are students who want move-in-ready convenience, short-term workers or contractors, and expats who do not want to invest in furniture for a temporary stay.
Which amenities increase rent the most in Daegu?
The top five amenities that increase rent the most in Daegu are newer building construction with good insulation, in-unit washer and dryer, built-in air conditioning, elevator access with parking, and proximity to a Line 2 metro station.
In Daegu, newer construction can add ₩50,000 to ₩100,000 per month ($37 to $75 USD), in-unit laundry adds roughly ₩30,000 to ₩50,000 ($22 to $37 USD), air conditioning adds ₩20,000 to ₩40,000 ($15 to $30 USD), elevator with parking adds ₩30,000 to ₩60,000 ($22 to $45 USD), and metro proximity adds ₩40,000 to ₩80,000 ($30 to $60 USD).
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Daegu, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.
What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Daegu?
The top five renovations that get the best ROI for rental properties in Daegu are kitchen refresh with better ventilation, modern bathroom upgrade, improved heating and cooling efficiency, fresh paint and flooring, and updated lighting fixtures.
In Daegu, a kitchen refresh typically costs ₩1,500,000 to ₩3,000,000 ($1,110 to $2,220 USD) and can increase rent by ₩30,000 to ₩60,000 monthly, a bathroom upgrade costs ₩1,000,000 to ₩2,500,000 ($740 to $1,850 USD) for a ₩25,000 to ₩50,000 rent boost, and heating and cooling improvements cost ₩500,000 to ₩1,500,000 ($370 to $1,110 USD) for a ₩20,000 to ₩40,000 monthly premium.
Renovations that tend to have poor ROI and should be avoided by Daegu landlords include luxury finishes that tenants do not value (like high-end countertops), overly customized designs that limit tenant appeal, and expensive structural changes that do not increase functional space.
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.
How strong is rental demand in Daegu as of 2026?
What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Daegu as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for rental properties in Daegu is around 6% to 9% citywide, which reflects a moderately tenant-friendly market overall.
Across different Daegu neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from under 5% in prime areas like Suseong-gu and transit-connected downtown zones to over 10% in oversupplied fringe areas and newer developments with slower absorption.
The current vacancy rate in Daegu is slightly higher than the historical average of around 5% to 7%, largely because recent housing construction has added supply that the market is still absorbing.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Daegu.
How many days do rentals stay listed in Daegu as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average number of days rentals stay listed in Daegu is around 25 to 35 days for typical properties in decent locations.
Across different property types and neighborhoods in Daegu, days on market ranges from about 10 to 25 days for well-priced studios near universities and transit, to 45 days or more for overpriced units or those in less desirable fringe locations.
The current days-on-market figure in Daegu is roughly similar to one year ago, as the market has remained stable without major shifts in either supply or demand dynamics.
Which months have peak tenant demand in Daegu?
The peak months for tenant demand in Daegu are February and March (the main moving season tied to school and job starts), followed by a secondary peak in August and September when the fall semester begins and some workers relocate.
The specific factors driving seasonal demand patterns in Daegu include the Korean academic calendar (which starts in March), corporate hiring cycles that begin in early spring, and university enrollment periods that create waves of student renters.
The months with the lowest tenant demand in Daegu are typically November through January, when few people move due to the cold weather, year-end holidays, and the gap before the new school and work year begins.
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What will my monthly costs be in Daegu as of 2026?
What property taxes should landlords expect in Daegu as of 2026?
As of early 2026, landlords in Daegu should expect to pay annual property taxes in the range of ₩300,000 to ₩1,500,000 (roughly $220 to $1,110 USD, or €205 to €1,035 EUR) for a typical residential rental property, depending on assessed value.
Across different property values and locations in Daegu, annual property taxes can range from under ₩200,000 ($150 USD) for smaller, lower-value units to over ₩2,000,000 ($1,480 USD) for higher-value apartments or landlords with multiple properties subject to the Comprehensive Real Estate Holding Tax.
Property taxes in Daegu are calculated based on the officially assessed value of the property (which is typically lower than market value), with rates applied in progressive bands, and the final amount depends on ownership structure and whether the property triggers national-level holding taxes.
Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Daegu, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.
What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Daegu right now?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for a typical rental property in Daegu is around ₩500,000 to ₩1,500,000 (roughly $370 to $1,110 USD, or €345 to €1,035 EUR) for a small unit, and ₩1,000,000 to ₩2,500,000 ($740 to $1,850 USD) for a family-sized apartment.
Depending on property age and condition in Daegu, annual maintenance costs can range from under ₩300,000 ($220 USD) for newer buildings with minimal issues to over ₩3,000,000 ($2,220 USD) for older properties requiring frequent repairs to plumbing, heating, or appliances.
Landlords in Daegu typically set aside around 5% to 10% of annual rental income for maintenance, which covers routine repairs, appliance servicing, and occasional larger fixes like boiler replacement or bathroom repairs.
What utilities do landlords often pay in Daegu right now?
In Daegu, landlords most commonly cover utilities in furnished studio or officetel rentals marketed as all-inclusive, while in standard apartment rentals, tenants typically pay for electricity, gas, water, and internet themselves.
When landlords do cover utilities in Daegu (usually for short-stay or bundled offerings), the typical monthly cost is around ₩100,000 to ₩200,000 ($75 to $150 USD, or €70 to €140 EUR) for a small unit, depending on season and usage.
The common practice in Daegu is for tenants to pay all variable utilities directly, with landlords only covering building-level management fees (if applicable) or bundling utilities into rent for furnished short-term rentals targeting students or transient workers.
How is rental income taxed in Daegu as of 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income in Daegu is taxed as part of personal income, with rates ranging from 6% to 45% depending on total taxable income, though landlords with annual rental income under ₩20 million may qualify for simplified taxation.
The main deductions Daegu landlords can claim against rental income include property depreciation, mortgage interest, maintenance and repair costs, property taxes paid, and management fees, which can significantly reduce taxable rental income.
A common tax mistake specific to Daegu landlords is failing to properly report jeonse deposit income or misunderstanding how the shift to wolse (monthly rent) contracts affects tax obligations, since monthly rent is more directly taxable than imputed income from deposits.
We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Daegu.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in South Korea compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Daegu, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Korea Real Estate Board (REB) | It's Korea's official public market monitor for real estate statistics, backed by the government. | We used it to anchor official rent-trend direction and verify the distinction between jeonse and wolse contracts. We also sanity-checked our private-market rent estimates against their published indicators. |
| REB R-ONE Open API | It's the official interface through which REB publishes structured real estate datasets. | We confirmed that REB publishes rental and market datasets that can verify our approach. We used it as a methodological reference for what official rental statistics cover. |
| Statistics Korea (KOSIS) | It's Korea's official statistics portal covering national accounts, population, housing, and prices. | We used it to ground the tenant profile section with Korea-wide household and housing context. We cross-checked that our demand analysis matches the macro demographic picture. |
| Statistics Korea 2023 Housing Census | It's an official KOSTAT release summarizing housing stock changes by province and city. | We used it to frame Daegu's supply backdrop when discussing demand and vacancy risk. We explained why some submarkets feel tenant-friendly despite pockets of premium rent. |
| OECD Housing Price Indicators | The OECD is a top-tier international organization with standardized cross-country housing metrics. | We used it to triangulate the bigger picture of rent growth in Korea heading into 2026. We kept our rent-growth outlook consistent with methodologically transparent international indicators. |
| FRED (BIS/OECD Korea Data) | FRED is a widely used public data platform that distributes official OECD and BIS series. | We used it as a verification pathway for Korea rent and house-price index sourcing. We supported the macro rent-growth context behind our 2026 outlook. |
| KB Land (KB Kookmin Bank) | KB is a major Korean bank and long-running housing market data publisher with broad coverage. | We used it to estimate real-world asking rents by Daegu district and unit type from late-2025 listings. We adjusted slightly into January 2026 using official trend indicators. |
| Dabang | It's one of Korea's largest rental portals with broad market coverage of small units and officetels. | We used it to cross-check KB's rent levels for studios and one-rooms in Daegu. We validated typical deposit plus monthly rent structures that tenants actually see. |
| Savills Korea Research | Savills is a global real estate consultancy with published research methodology and market expertise. | We used it to support the structural shift from jeonse toward monthly-rent products. We shaped our 2026 outlook narrative around what's likely to keep rent demand steady. |
| Daegu Metro (DTRO) | It's the official operator for Daegu's urban rail system with authoritative network information. | We used it to identify transit-linked rental hotspots and explain why certain station areas lease faster. We kept neighborhood advice specific to Daegu's actual metro network. |
| Kyungpook National University | It's the official university site for a major Daegu campus with accurate location data. | We used it to anchor the section on university-adjacent rentals with a concrete campus location. We justified why nearby neighborhoods have steady studio and 1-bedroom demand. |
| KEPCO Electric Rates | It's the national electricity utility's published tariff schedule, the official source for rates. | We used it to estimate landlord and tenant utility exposure for electricity. We translated typical bills into a realistic monthly cost range for Daegu rentals. |
| Daegu Waterworks | It's the municipal water authority for Daegu with official rate and discount information. | We used it to cover the water and sewer side of monthly costs with a verifiable local source. We kept the utilities section specific to Daegu rather than using generic Korea averages. |
| InvestKOREA | It's a government-backed investment agency that publishes reliable Korea tax overviews. | We used it to frame which real estate taxes exist, including holding, transaction, and income taxes. We used it as a map before drilling into landlord-specific tax treatment. |
| PwC Korea Tax Summaries | PwC is a Big Four firm whose tax summaries are widely relied on for accurate rule framing. | We used it to explain rental income taxation in plain English, covering rates, categories, and basics. We cross-checked that our landlord-tax explanations align with professional references. |
| National Tax Service (NTS) | It's Korea's national tax authority and the primary source for tax compliance guidance. | We used it as the authoritative home base for landlord tax compliance and official guidance. We kept our tax section grounded in official documentation pathways. |
| Global Property Guide | It's a respected international property data aggregator with consistent methodology across countries. | We used it to cross-reference Korea-wide rent trends and year-over-year changes. We validated that Daegu's flat rent trajectory matches national patterns. |
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