Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Athens or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Busan (Pusan). We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Busan (Pusan)?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Athens Prices
Greece PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €154Busan (Pusan) €96
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is €96. 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 Athens and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Busan (Pusan) €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Busan (Pusan) €72
Compare Hotels in Athens and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Busan (Pusan) €19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Airport Athens to Centre Athens: $23
- One way Private Transfer Athens City Center to / from Piraeus Port: $24
- Athens Center To Piraeus Port Private Departure Transfer: $25
- Santorini Luxury Private Airport, Port & Hotel Transfer: $25
- Athens Private Transfer: Central Athens to Piraeus Cruise Port: $26
- Athens City to Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City Center: $26
- Santorini Hotel/Port & Airport Transfers: $29
- Departure Transfer from Athens City to Piraeus Port: $29
- Piraeus Port to Athens Hotels Private Transfer with Meet & Greet: $29
- Athens Hotels to Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $29
- Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private VIP Airport or Hotel Transfers in Busan: $300
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Busan Airport and KTX Station Transfer Service: $79
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Athens 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 dayAthens €64Busan (Pusan) €41
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ancient Roman and Greek Dinner With Ancient Wine Styles: $64
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $65
- Classic Athens Food Tour with Local Drink & Market Visit: $68
- Cooking Class & Meal at a Roof Garden in Athens: $68
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $68
- Acropolis Food Tour with a Local Friend: $74
- Athens Cooking Class with Central Market Visit and City Views: $75
- Athens Traditional Food Tour: $78
- Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $78
- Athens, Greek food tour including market visit: $79
- Athens Private Food Tour:Eat like a Greek! Seafood& Wine included: $80
- Feast on LGBTQ+ Walking Food Tour: $82
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's€4.12
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Carp Bread€0.67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $110
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $120
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Busan (Pusan) €18
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $4.85
- Athens, a Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $4.95
- Self-Guided Podcast Walking Tour: The Sunken City of Athens: $5.48
- Acropolis and Plaka Local Guided Walking Tour: $5.72
- Athens Plaka Area of the Gods Smartphone APP Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
- South Slope Acropolis Self-Guided 3D Audio Tour (No Ticket): $8.00
- Self Guided Cinematic Audio Tour with 25 Stories in Athens: $9.14
- Acropolis of Athens Self-Guided Tour with 3D & Audio (No Ticket): $9.14
- Private Self-Guided Audio City-Tour in Athens: $9.15
- Athens' Podoniftis Stream: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $10
- TOP Athens : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $11
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan local Experience + private guide: $62
- 2027 New Year Countdown & Pohang Homigot Sunrise Tour from Busan: $69
- A Comprehensive Small-Group Busan Tour with Hotel Pickup: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $36
- BTS Landmarks Private Car Tour in Busan with a Licensed Guide: $170
- Best of Busan Day Tour: Coast, Culture and Local Markets: $36
- Busan 9 Highlights Small Group City Tour: $30
- Busan Blueline Park Sky Capsule or Beach Train Ticket: $14
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
- Busan Cruise Shore Excursion with Guaranteed On-Time Return: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Busan (Pusan) €11
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $13
- The Original Athens Pub Crawl: $17
- Athens Party Pub Crawl w/ 1-hour Open Bar & VIP Nightclub Access: $21
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $22
- Athens Olive Oil and Herbs Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $23
- Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $36
- Athens Small Group Wine Tasting with a Sommelier: $51
- Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $56
- Athens Wine Tasting and Wine tour at with Castle Visit: $56
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $56
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting: $56
- Athens Greek Wine Tasting with Sommelier and City Views: $62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Busan (Pusan)?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Athens or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Athens or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Busan (Pusan). Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Athens is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Athens or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Busan (Pusan). The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Athens often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Athens or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Athens
| Athens | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.