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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Darwin?

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

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

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.

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.

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, Darwin 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 Darwin is $139. 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 Darwin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Darwin $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Darwin

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


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 Darwin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Darwin $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

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

  • 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
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin

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


  • Shuttle to Train Station
    $9.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:

  • DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
  • Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise with Darwin Transfer Bus: $81
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $86
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $86
  • Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $94
  • Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $100
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $201

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

Prices for flights to both Darwin 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
    Darwin $65
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin

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

  • Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
  • Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
  • Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $104
  • Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $112
  • Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $112
  • Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $114
  • Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $114
  • Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $132

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Darwin $15

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

Tours and Activities in Darwin

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:

  • Aquascene Fish Feeding Experience: $11
  • Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
  • Adelaide River Queen Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $27
  • Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $32
  • Darwin Shore Excursion: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $33
  • Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $33
  • 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $37
  • Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $40
  • Darwin History and Wartime Experience Tour: $40
  • Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $43
  • 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $43
  • Darwin Harbour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Darwin $13

Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $16
  • Glass of Wine
    $4.58


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


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Darwin?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Darwin, 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 Darwin?

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

Both Darwin and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.

Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Darwin in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in January.

Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Darwin during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (83°F)

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

Both Darwin and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Darwinin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Darwinin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (84°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Darwin. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Darwinin July. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Darwin 25°C (77°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Darwin. Also, most visitors come to Darwin for the beaches during these months.

Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Darwin in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Darwinin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Darwin 29°C (85°F)

Typical Weather for Darwin and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Darwin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 437 mm (17.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 343 mm (13.5 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 342 mm (13.5 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 26°C (79°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 30°C (85°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 234 mm (9.2 in)