A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Busan (Pusan) vs. Akureyri for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri, 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 Akureyri?

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.

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Busan (Pusan)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $95, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $185. 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 Akureyri in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $36
    Akureyri $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $72
    Akureyri $200
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Akureyri

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri? 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.

Hotels in Busan (Pusan)


Hotels in Akureyri


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 Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $18
    Akureyri $23

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: $121
  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
  • Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
  • 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 Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $64
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $64
  • Private VIP Airport or Hotel Transfers in Busan: $300

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $31
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $31
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $115
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $161

Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri?

Prices for flights to both Akureyri 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $40
    Akureyri $69
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.05
  • 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).

  • Kimchi Kitchens Busan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $100
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $103
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $18
    Akureyri $18

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
  • Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $12
  • Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
  • Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $20
  • Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $25
  • South Korea: Skyline Luge Busan Entry Ticket: $30
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $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 to Gyeongju UNESCO Legacy Tour: $40
  • Busan Night One Day Tour Maximum 7 Pax: $40

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
  • War and Peace Museum - Tour: $23
  • Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $69
  • From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V): $75
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $84
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $89
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $99
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $99
  • Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $11
    Akureyri $14

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri 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 Akureyri is in Europe, 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri 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 Akureyri Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Akureyri, 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 Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri?

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 Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Akureyri.

In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Akureyri during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.

Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Akureyri.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Akureyri. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri in the Winter?

Both Akureyri and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Akureyri in the Spring?

Both Akureyri and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit.

Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Akureyri and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Akureyri
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)