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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Auckland?

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

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

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.

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Auckland 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 $96, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $172. 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 Auckland in more detail.



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

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


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 Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $19
    Auckland $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
  • Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.57
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Auckland Airport One-Way Private Transfer: Airport to CBD Hotels: $24
  • Departure Transfer: Auckland Central City Centre to Auckland Airport: $25
  • AKL Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $26
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $26
  • Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $32
  • Private Airport Transfer: Hotel → Auckland Airport (AKL): $40
  • Airport Private Transfer: $43
  • Auckland Airport Transfer To and From City Center: $47
  • Auckland City Hotel to Cruise Ship Transfer by SUV: $47
  • Auckland CBD to Auckland Airport - ONEWAY Private Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $53
  • Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel: $53

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

Prices for flights to both Auckland 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) $41
    Auckland $46
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

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


  • McDonald's
    $4.10
  • 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 Traditional Market Food Tour: $47
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $101
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Auckland Downtown Food Tour with 5 Locals Favorite Dishes: $128
  • Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
  • Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
  • From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $18
    Auckland $28

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • (Guaranteed Return) Busan Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests: $66
  • (On-Time Return) Busan Cruise Shore Excursion for Small Group: $89
  • (Return Assurance) Busan Small Group Cruise Shore Excursion: $85
  • 1 Day Private Busan Guided Tour: $300
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $31
  • Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
  • Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $31
  • Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
  • Busan Coastal Views or Bamboo Forest with Local Markets Day Tour: $36
  • Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
  • Busan Cruise Shore Excursion: City Highlights and Food Taste Tour: $73
  • Busan Day Tour with Pickup at the KTX Station-Family Couple Alone: $76

Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $121

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Auckland to Volcanoes: North Island Self-Guided Adventure: $8.24
  • Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
  • Auckland City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Ticket: $16
  • Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
  • Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
  • Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Auckland Ticket: $23
  • Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland: $23
  • Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $11
    Auckland $13

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

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

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $118
  • Kumeu Wineries / Brewery: $133
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • Kumeu Wine Tasting & Local Flavours Tour: Vines, Brews & Views: $178
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $184
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
  • Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301


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


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Auckland?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Auckland, 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 Auckland?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Aucklandin January. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Auckland 20°C (68°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Auckland. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Aucklandin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Auckland 16°C (61°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Auckland. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin July. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Auckland 11°C (52°F)

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

Both Auckland and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.

Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auckland during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Aucklandin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Auckland 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Auckland and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Auckland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)