Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Busan (Pusan) can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Busan (Pusan)?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, 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 dayBangkok $76Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $76, 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 Bangkok and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $41Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $82Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $5.77Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.18
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Skytrain Ticket$4.36
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.87
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Ferry Ride$0.71
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Taxi From Airport$6.82
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Short Taxi Ride$2.45
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Boat Taxi$1.36
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Trains to airport$4.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus transfer to/from Bangkok: $4.06
- Bus transfer from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport: $4.99
- Airport BKK||DMK : Private car Transfer to downtowns Bangkok: $12
- Private transfer from Hotel in Bangkok to BKK Airport : $14
- Private Bangkok Airport Transfer (BKK/DMK): $14
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok HTL- APT(BKK): $14
- Bangkok International Airport - Departure Transfer: $15
- Private Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfer To City Hotels Or Hotel To Airport: $15
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Bangkok APT-HTL (BKK): $17
- Private Bangkok Airport Transfer: $17
- Bangkok International Airport - Arrival Transfer: $17
- Departure Private Transfer Bangkok City to Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK by Sedan: $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $18Busan (Pusan) $26
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$25
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.46
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.23
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.82
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.46
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Pad Thai$1.91
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Airport Lunch for 2$15
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Lunch for 2$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Bangkok Food Tour and Sightseeing with Tuktuk: $16
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
- Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $23
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $24
- 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
- Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
- Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
- Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27
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
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $16Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.36
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$9.55
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.36
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.46
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Club Cover Charge$10
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$65
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Fish Pedicure$4.09
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.73
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Siriraj Museum (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Thailand's Road to Democracy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $1.99
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Road to Democracy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Thailand's Modern Politics: $5.20
- Skip the Line Admission Ticket: Ayutthaya Floating Market: $5.31
- Skip the line Admission Ticket: Ayutthaya Floating Market: $5.52
- Chinatown and Wat Traimit Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.00
- Skip the Line Admission Ticket of Ayothaya Floating Market: $8.28
- Skip the Line Admission Ticket of Ayothaya Floating Market: $8.28
- Pororo Aqua Park Entry Ticket: $9.46
- Skip the Line: Patpong Museum Guided Tour : $9.66
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $10
- Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour: $10
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
- Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
- Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
- Tour to Busan Highlights Hydrangea, Songdo and Gamcheon : $67
- Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
- West Busan Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.97Busan (Pusan) $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22
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 comparing the travel costs between Bangkok and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Busan (Pusan)?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Busan (Pusan). When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Bangkok or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.
In the summer, Bangkok is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan) during summer. Bangkok gets 176 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. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 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 JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Busan (Pusan). Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 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 Bangkok this time of the year. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). Bangkok is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, 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 Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Bangkok is November to February.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Bangkok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Bangkok gets 262 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. Bangkok usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°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.