Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Beijing?
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 Beijing 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 Beijing 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: Beijing or Busan (Pusan)?
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Beijing Prices
China PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $96Busan (Pusan) $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $96, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $95. 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 Beijing and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $42Busan (Pusan) $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $84Busan (Pusan) $72
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $8.26Busan (Pusan) $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$5.05
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Train from Airport for Two$7.39
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Taxi to Hotel$8.87
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2 Metro Passes$2.36
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Metro$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Private Transfers for City, Suburbs & Airport/Train: $1.46
- Datong:Hanging Temple Entry Ticket with Optional Transfer Service: $6.00
- Ming Tombs Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided &Transfer Service: $8.20
- Juyongguan Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Guide&Transfer Service: $9.90
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour w/ Optional Guide/Transfer: $15
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $19
- Beijing Private Railway Station Arrival/Departure Transfers: $20
- BusDa:Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Bus Transfer: $20
- BusDa: Group/Private Round-trip Transfer to Great Wall of China: $20
- Beijing:Private One-Way Airport Transfer from Beijing City Center: $20
- Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
- Morning Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $64
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Beijing 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 dayBeijing $36Busan (Pusan) $40
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.89
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.39
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.96
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Watermelon$2.07
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$18
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Two Popsicles$0.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $25
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
- Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour - Pro Photos Included: $71
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $72
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.05
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Carp Bread$0.66
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: $48
- Kimchi Kitchens Busan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $100
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $26Busan (Pusan) $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.87
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Two Opera Tickets$63
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$10
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Forbidden City (for 2)$18
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Forbidden City Tickets$18
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$12
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jingshan Park QR Ticket with 4 Language Audio Guide: $1.20
- Forbidden City Ticket Booking: $2.61
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Jingshan Park Ticket - Panoramic Forbidden City View: $3.00
- Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
- Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
- Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
- Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.99
- Tiananmen Square Ticket Booking: $4.00
- Beijing Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square Admission Tickets: $4.00
- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Jingshan Park: Tickets / Tours: $4.00
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $12
- Busan Vaunce Trampoline Yongho W Center Discount Ticket(내국인불가): $21
- South Korea: Skyline Luge Busan Entry Ticket: $30
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $31
- Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $31
- Korean Serenity Incense Tea and Meditation Experience: $33
- Busan Tour: Sky Capsule, Gamcheon, Haeundae Blueline Park & more: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan Night One Day Tour Maximum 7 Pax: $40
- Busan to Gyeongju UNESCO Legacy Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Busan (Pusan) $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $138
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
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 with Traditional Korean Pub Experience: $23
When comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Busan (Pusan)?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Busan (Pusan). When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing or Busan (Pusan)?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Beijing or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Busan (Pusan). Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Beijing gets 224 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. Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 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 JulyBeijing 27°C (80°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Busan (Pusan). The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Beijing is cooler than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, 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 Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 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 OctoberBeijing 14°C (56°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan) during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JanuaryBeijing -4°C (26°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Beijing gets 247 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. Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Beijing gets 26 mm (1 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 AprilBeijing 14°C (57°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Beijing
| Beijing | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 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.