Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach, 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: Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach?
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.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, in Queensland, offers the closest port to the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. It's a small town of only 25,000 and has grown out of the area's popularity as a tourist destination. It's main industry remains tourism and, as such, there are many venues set up to accommodate travelers hoping to make trips to the Whitsunday Islands and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The town has the feel of a vacation destination. While in the past Airlie Beach appealed specifically to the backpacker crowd, it's popularity has spread and now there are facilities catering to all travel types. The area has become more commercialized and there are plenty of large resorts to choose from. Even so, you'll still find no shortage of affordable accommodation around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $91Airlie Beach $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $91, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $148. 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 Busan (Pusan) and Airlie Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $41Airlie Beach $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $82Airlie Beach $122
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Airlie Beach
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach? 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 and Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Airlie Beach $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $78
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $78
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $81
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $81
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $86
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $86
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $122
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $122
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $122
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:
- Whitsunday: Prosperpine Airport to Airlie Beach Transfer: $17
- Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $17
- One Way Only - Airport Transfer share shuttle service: $17
- Airport Transfers - Return (round fare) share shuttle service: $29
- Return Transfer PPP Airport Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $33
- South Molle Island Camping Transfer: $61
- Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $130
- Crayfish Beach Hook Island Camping Transfer: $144
- Roundtrip KIA Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport: $237
- Private Transfer to Whitsunday Coast Airport: $327
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach?
Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Busan (Pusan) 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 dayBusan (Pusan) $27Airlie Beach $34
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.72
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Carp Bread$0.76
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: $50
- Busan Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner : $50
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $116
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Airlie Beach.
- 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $85
- Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $86
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Airlie Beach $169
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Trick Eye Museum Discount Ticket (내국인불가): $6.00
- Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
- Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $22
- Eden Valley Winter Ski Resort Day Tour from Busan+SPA LAND option: $41
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Busan: Jagalchi Market & Gamcheon Village Walking Tour With Guide: $50
- Full-Day Busan City Tour: $52
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $54
- Busan Night Tour includes Snapshots: $57
- Jinhae Gunhangje Night Tour : $61
- Scenic Jiri Mountain Autumn Foliage One Day Tour: $62
- Historic and Natural Beauty- Gyeongju Autumn Foliage Day Tour: $62
Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Airlie Beach are as follows:
- Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours: $21
- Cedar Creek Express. (cruise ship friendly): $40
- 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $47
- Whisper Cruises - One-Hour Turtle Spotting Bay Cruise: $48
- Sundowner Sunset Cruise Airlie Beach: $48
- Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $48
- Lunch at Georges Diner & Conway Beach (cruise ship friendly): $54
- Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise: $59
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $61
- Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $61
- Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Guided Night Tour: $68
- Airlie Beach Glass bottom boat Scenic Sunset Tour: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Airlie Beach $9.49
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 Busan (Pusan) and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Airlie Beach is in Pacific, 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Airlie Beach is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Busan (Pusan) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach in the Summer?
Both Airlie Beach and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Airlie Beachin January. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Airlie Beach 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?
Both Airlie Beach and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Airlie Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in April.
In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Airlie Beachin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun.
Airlie Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Airlie Beachin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Airlie Beach. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Airlie Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 16°C (62°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Airlie Beach 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Airlie Beach in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Airlie Beach. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.
In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Airlie Beachin October. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Airlie Beachin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Airlie Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 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.