Ansan, South Korea

Ansan sits about 4 kilometers from Suwon Airport (SWU) on South Korea's west coast, a city of 767 thousand people spread across a humid continental climate zone with hot summers and cold, dry winters. The city's elevation is modest at 50 meters above sea level, and its layout is easy to navigate, with the expat community clustering mainly in the Danwon-gu neighborhood. That area offers a mix of older apartment blocks and newer commercial streets, and it is where you will find the most familiar conveniences for foreigners, from international grocery options to cafes that cater to a mixed crowd. The city runs on Asia/Seoul time, and the average internet speed here is a solid 150 Mbps, which makes remote work feel seamless.

Living in Ansan is notably affordable compared to major Western cities, with the cost of living index sitting at 65 out of 100 relative to New York City. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $447/mo, while the same unit outside the center drops to $372/mo; a three-bedroom in the center runs $1,117/mo, and outside the center it is $744/mo. For a single adult, the budget tier total, rent included, comes to $661/mo, the mid-range tier is $881/mo, and the comfortable tier is $1,050/mo. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $980/mo, while a family of four spends $3,200/mo. Utilities run $210/mo, internet is $21/mo, a mobile plan is $35/mo, and a gym membership is $37/mo. Eating out is cheap: an inexpensive restaurant meal costs $7, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range spot is $35, and a cappuccino is $4. The average monthly net salary locally is $1,489/mo, which means that even a modest wage covers a comfortable lifestyle here.

Safety is one of Ansan's strongest assets, with a safety index of 90 out of 100 and a crime index of just 12 out of 100, where lower is safer. The city feels calm at all hours, and violent crime is rare, making it a place where you can walk home late without anxiety. Healthcare quality is rated as excellent, and the city's hospitals and clinics are modern and well-equipped, with English proficiency common in tourist areas, which helps when you need to see a doctor or fill a prescription. The air quality index is 65, which is moderate, so on high-pollution days you may want to wear a mask, but overall it is manageable for most residents.

For those looking to stay long-term, South Korea offers the Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $5,500/mo to qualify. Getting to Ansan is straightforward via Suwon Airport (SWU), just 4 kilometers away, though most international travelers will connect through larger hubs before landing there. The city suits digital nomads and early retirees alike, with an overall expat score of 78 out of 100, a FIRE score of 76 out of 100, and a retiree score of 68 out of 100. The digital nomad score is 78 out of 100, reflecting the strong internet, low living costs, and safe environment. If you are a remote worker with a stable income above the visa threshold, or a retiree who values safety and affordability over nightlife, Ansan offers a practical, comfortable base in South Korea.