Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $86. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan)? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To Abu Dhabi: $26
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $26
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $43
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $71
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $79
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Busan (Pusan) $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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Carp Bread$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $49
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $90
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $99
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $99
- Busan big Barbecue dinner at the garden : $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.12
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00
- Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $13
- The Way of Tea - Experience: $38
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $41
- Full-Day Busan City Tour: $51
- Jinhae Gunhangje Night Tour : $60
- Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
- Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
- From Busan: Chasing Cherry Blossom & Spring Flowers Day Tour: $65
- Gyeongju Maple Tour from Busan : $66
- Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Busan (Pusan) $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Pub Crawl: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Busan (Pusan) is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Busan (Pusan) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Busan (Pusan) and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Busan (Pusan).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Busan (Pusan), keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Busan (Pusan). Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.