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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Dubrovnik?

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

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

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

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 Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik 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 $100, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $180. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $38
    Dubrovnik $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $76
    Dubrovnik $148
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Dubrovnik

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


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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $19
    Dubrovnik $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

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

  • Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
  • Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Dubrovnik to Lopud Island Ferry Scenic Transfer: $24
  • Dubrovnik to Koločep Island Ferry Scenic Transfer: $24
  • Cavtat, Mlini & Srebreno to Dubrovnik Old Town Speedboat Transfer: $24
  • Private transfer from Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city: $24
  • Return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $26
  • Private return transfer to Dubrovnik airport: $29
  • Private Transfer between Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik Airport: $32
  • Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik city private transfer: $33
  • Convenient Bus Transfer from/to Split: $33
  • Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $37
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Port: $41

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

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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) $42
    Dubrovnik $85
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

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


  • McDonald's
    $4.29
  • Carp Bread
    $0.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).

  • Busan Food Tour Jagalchi Market BIFF Square and Gukje Market: $60
  • Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
  • Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $111
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Gastro Dinner and Cruise around Dubrovnik Old Town: $92
  • Sunset Dubrovnik & Dinner At St Jacob Beach: $100
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $116
  • Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $128
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $130
  • Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour of 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $140
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $158
  • Dinner on Peljesac with 5-Course Signature Wine & Food: $158
  • Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $161
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $204
  • Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands, Wine Tasting and Cooking Experience: $258

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $19
    Dubrovnik $17

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

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

  • "Walking Tour: Busan local Experience + private guide: $57
  • (Guaranteed Return) Busan Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests: $70
  • (On-Time Return) Busan Cruise Shore Excursion for Small Group: $89
  • (Return Assurance) Busan Small Group Cruise Shore Excursion: $82
  • 7 Highlights Gyeongju City One Day Group Tour from Busan: $55
  • A Comprehensive Small-Group Busan Tour with Hotel Pickup: $58
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $33
  • Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket (한국인 구매 불가): $22
  • Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $33
  • Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
  • Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
  • Busan Dalmaji Culture Festa & Moonlight Walk Day Tour: $50

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $15
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $61
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $51

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

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

  • Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $2.32
  • Dubrovnik Medieval Adventure: Self-Guided City Quest: $4.99
  • Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $5.29
  • Self guided walking tour of Dubrovnik with audio guide: $5.88
  • Dubrovnik Audio guided walking tour 1h and 18 audio reviews: $6.94
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
  • TOP Dubrovnik : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
  • Walls of Liberty: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Dubrovnik: $12
  • Beyond the Walls: A Historical Dubrovnik Audio Tour: $12
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Hajduk Split Stadium Tour: An Unforgettable Experience: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $11
    Dubrovnik $19

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 Social Pub Crawl: $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

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

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $41
  • Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $45
  • Wine Tasting in Konavle, Near Dubrovnik & Cavtat – Join Us!: $53
  • Private Scenic Sunset Tour & Premium Wine Tasting Above Dubrovnik: $76
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $81
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $94
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $94
  • Luxury Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $100
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $100
  • Konavle Valley Tour, Train Ride and Wine Tasting from Kolocep: $105
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tasting from Dubrovnik with Light Lunch: $105


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


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Dubrovnik?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Dubrovnik. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

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

Both Dubrovnik and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

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

Both Dubrovnik and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Dubrovnik. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik 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 more rain than Dubrovnik. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)