Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro 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.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Bocas del Toro, 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 Bocas del Toro?
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.
Bocas del Toro
The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.
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 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Bocas del Toro? 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 Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Bocas del Toro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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Water Taxi$3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro 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) $44Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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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 Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Bocas del Toro $21
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
- 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Bocas del Toro $12
When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Busan (Pusan) 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. Even though Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Bocas del Toro?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Bocas del Toro, 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 Bocas del Toro?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bocas del Toro experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Bocas del Toro. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toro. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
Both Bocas del Toro and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
Both Bocas del Toro and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Bocas del Toro. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toro. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toro. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toro. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 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.