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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Amsterdam?

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

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

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam 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 $104, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $248. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Amsterdam $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Amsterdam $240
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Amsterdam? 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 Amsterdam


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 Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Amsterdam $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: $125
  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.75
  • Renting a Bike
    $18
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.05
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $15
  • Private Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Transfer Service: $40
  • Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $41
  • From Keukenhof Gardens Ticket and Transfer: $41
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Departure transfer from Amsterdam City: $42
  • Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $49
  • Amsterdam Airport & Non-Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $58
  • Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise & Transfer from Amsterdam: $66
  • Amsterdam City to Schiphol Airport Transfer: $73
  • Amsterdam Private Local Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Amsterdam Hotels to Amsterdam Cruise Port : $77
  • Amsterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $77

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

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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) $44
    Amsterdam $94
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

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


  • McDonald's
    $4.43
  • 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: $53
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
  • Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $7.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Bike Rental and Dinner or Lunch: $52
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $63
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Bens Local Food Tour - 8 Tastings: $78
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $94
  • Dutch Food Tour with local guide: $94
  • Amsterdam-West Food Tour with local guide: $102
  • Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $107

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Amsterdam $44

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 CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
  • Busan Yacht Tour with Music: $26
  • Japanese Occupation and Korean War Historical Tour in Busan: $29
  • Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $38
  • Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
  • Eden Valley Ski and Snowboard Tour from Busan : $41
  • Jinhae Cherry Blossom Day trip from Busan - A Spring Adventure!: $47
  • Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour from Busan with Seoul Drop-off: $47
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
  • Busan Full-Day City Tour with Gamcheon Village, Sea Temple & more: $49

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $7.04
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • The Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam: $3.59
  • The Classic Walking Tour of Amsterdam | 2 Hours with a Local: $3.59
  • Bill's Bike Tour - Rent a Flower Bike in Amsterdam: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Tour through its most famous Icons: $6.01
  • Amsterdam Center Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
  • Red Light District Amsterdam Tour with Audioguide: $8.40
  • Amsterdam Interactive City Tour: $8.42
  • WW2 Jewish & Anne Frank Amsterdam Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Amsterdam's Red Light District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Old A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Volendam Marken Express Boat Cruise: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Amsterdam $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • City Centre Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $30
  • Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings : $78
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl With Optional Club Entrance: $84
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141


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


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Amsterdam?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Amsterdam. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 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 Amsterdam. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Amsterdam. Additionally, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°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 Amsterdam. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

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

Both Amsterdam and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

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

Both Amsterdam and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 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 Amsterdam. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)