Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Harbin, 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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 in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $91Harbin $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $91, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $56. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $41Harbin $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $82Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Harbin? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Harbin $1.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $88
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $82
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $74
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $80
- Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $80
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $124
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $124
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $248
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $124
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $50
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $55
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private Transfer to China's Snow Town from Yabuli Ski Resort: $107
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $119
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 dayBusan (Pusan) $27Harbin $14
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's$4.72
-
Carp Bread$0.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner : $50
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $51
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Private Full Day Tour to Harbin Beifang Forest Zoo and Optional Seafood Dinner: $261
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Harbin $54
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
- 1 Day Private Busan Guided Tour: $300
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Beomeosa Temple, Bujeon Market & Jagalchi Market(Private Tour): $260
- 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 Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Certified Guide: $89
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks: $110
- Busan ONE-DAY Highlights for PRIVATE CRUISE PASSENGER'S: $250
- Busan Pick up & Drop off (Anywhere) or Night View Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Ice Festival /Harbin Ice and Snow World Entrance Ticket: $100
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private Harbin Ice Festival Night Tour: $209
- Songhua River Boat Tour and Food Experience in Harbin: $230
- 4Hour Tour Heilongjiang Museum to Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral: $250
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Harbin $8.00
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Harbin, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) than you might in Harbin.
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 Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Harbin?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Harbin. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
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 Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Harbin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Harbin. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Harbin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Harbin.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Harbin. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Harbin.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Harbin. It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Harbin in the Spring?
Both Harbin and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Harbin. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.