Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Aqaba or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Busan (Pusan), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Busan (Pusan)?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, 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 Aqaba and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Busan (Pusan) $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Arava Border: $27
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $36
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $36
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $40
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba Port: $40
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
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $71
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Aqaba 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
-
Food Meals for one dayAqaba $42Busan (Pusan) $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's$4.48
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
- Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
- Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
- Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
- Mosaic Art Experience: $38
- 4-hour sunset tour of desert highlights: $40
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Busan (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 Aqaba and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Aqaba or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Busan (Pusan). Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Aqaba is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Aqaba is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.