Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Kanazawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
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.
Kanazawa
An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $86Kanazawa $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $103. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Kanazawa $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Kanazawa $128
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Kanazawa
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Kanazawa $9.32
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa
Also for Kanazawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $247
- Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $308
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Kanazawa?
Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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
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Food Meals for one dayBusan (Pusan) $26Kanazawa $32
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa
For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $57
- Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $76
- Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Kanazawa $9.74
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
Tours and Activities in Kanazawa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.
- Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Monochrome Plan: $13
- Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Moon Plan: $13
- Selfie Experience in Kanazawa - Color Plan: $19
- Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $25
- Kenrokuen Tea Ceremony Experience: $30
- Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $37
- Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Kanazawa Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $56
- [Day trip bus tour from Kanazawa Station] Weekend only! World Heritage Shirakawago Day Bus Tour: $66
- [One-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station] Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - Two World Heritage Villages Enjoyable Bus Tour: $76
- “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $78
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Kanazawa $12
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 Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Kanazawa?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
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 Kanazawa in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Kanazawa. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Kanazawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kanazawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Kanazawa in the Autumn?
Both Kanazawa and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Kanazawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Kanazawa in the Winter?
Both Kanazawa and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Kanazawa. It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun.
Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Kanazawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Kanazawa in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Kanazawa.
In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally a little warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kanazawa during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kanazawa 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 around the same amount of rain as Kanazawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Kanazawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 306 mm (12 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.