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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Brisbane?

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

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

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.

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.


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

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $131. 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 Brisbane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Brisbane $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Brisbane

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


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 Brisbane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Brisbane $17

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: $120
  • Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.73
  • Go Card
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

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

  • Sunshine Coast Airport Arrival transfer to Hotels: $18
  • Shared Transfer Service from Brisbane Airport: $21
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $33
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Cruise Port to Brisbane: $33
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Port to Brisbane Airport (BNE): $33
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane Port: $33
  • Gold Coast Airport Private Transfer for 1 to 15 Passengers : $33
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $52
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $53
  • Brisbane Airport to Sunshine Coast Transfer Service: $55
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70

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

Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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) $26
    Brisbane $31
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

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


  • McDonald's
    $4.48
  • 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: $49
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
  • Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
  • Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
  • Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110

Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.19
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.95
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.11
  • Ice cream
    $3.57
  • Japanese Meal
    $13
  • Smoothie
    $4.22
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.46
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.54
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.27
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.08
  • Bread
    $1.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

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

  • Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $163

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Brisbane $24

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

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

  • Full Day Private Guided Tour in Hidden Spot, Daegu: $180
  • 2-Day Busan East and South Private Tour: $300
  • 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
  • Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour: $77
  • Beomeosa Temple and Hongbeopsa Temple Tour and local market tour: $81
  • Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
  • Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
  • Busan Custom-made Car Tour (Private Tour): $187
  • Busan Essential Private Tour with Heaedong Yonggungsa and Gamcheon Village: $240
  • Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
  • Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.: $99
  • Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour: $89

Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $13

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

  • Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
  • True Crime Tour: $22
  • Brisbane Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $22
  • Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
  • Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $23
  • South Brisbane Cemetery Ghost Tour: $23
  • Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $23
  • Ultimate Urban Adventure | Clue-Guided Experience: $27
  • Themed Adventure Game: $29
  • Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Brisbane $50

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.73
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.08
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.51
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
  • Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $49
  • City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $102
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $124
  • From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $131
  • Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
  • Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
  • Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $142


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


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Brisbane?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Brisbane. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein January. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Brisbanein January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

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

Both Brisbane and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Brisbanein April. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Brisbanein April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F)

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

Both Brisbane and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein July. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Brisbanein July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Brisbane. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Brisbanein October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Brisbane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in)