Which place is cheaper, Ise or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Ise?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Ise, 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 Ise?
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.
Ise
A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $89Ise $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $89, while the average daily cost in Ise 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 Ise in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $41Ise $45
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $82Ise $90
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Ise
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Ise? 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 Ise Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Ise $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $123
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $123
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $123
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $123
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $81
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Ise?
Prices for flights to both Ise 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) $26Ise $26
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's$4.62
-
Carp Bread$0.75
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: $50
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
- Vegan Friendly Korean Food Cooking Class: $70
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan big Barbecue dinner at the garden : $150
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Ise $6.28
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
- Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $22
- The Way of Tea - Experience: $40
- Eden Valley Winter Ski Resort Day Tour from Busan+SPA LAND option: $41
- Jinhae Pink Cherry Blossom One Day Tour From Busan: $42
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Jinhae Cherry blossom Festival tour: $49
- Autumn Naejangsan National Park Day Tour from Busan: $49
- Busan: Jagalchi Market & Gamcheon Village Walking Tour With Guide: $51
- Full-Day Busan City Tour: $52
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $55
- Jinhae Gunhangje Night Tour : $62
Tours and Activities in Ise
Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $31
- Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $43
- Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $107
- Toba Custom Half Day Tour: $177
- Toba Custom Full Day Tour: $283
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Ise $4.87
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 comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Ise, we can see that Ise 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Ise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Ise?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Ise, 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 Ise?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Ise in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Ise. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ise during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Ise. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Ise 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Ise in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Ise. Additionally, many visitors come to Ise in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Ise. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 160 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ise. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Ise. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Ise 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Ise in the Winter?
Both Ise and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ise can be very cold during winter. Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Ise. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Ise during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 165 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Ise. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Ise 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Ise in the Spring?
Both Ise and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Ise. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.
Ise 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 around the same amount of rain in April as Ise. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Ise 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Ise and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Ise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.