Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Kobe, 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
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 Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $86Kobe $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Kobe 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Kobe $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Kobe? 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 Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Kobe $13
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 Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport: $48
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
- Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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) $26Kobe $30
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 Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Kobe $23
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 Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- Kobe Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Admission Ticket: $16
- Mt Rokko night view & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour: $57
- Private Tour - Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible: $70
- Kobe : Private Custom Tour (Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible): $71
- Private tour - Experience Kobe's Best Gems with a local host: $78
- KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
- Sake Tour and Tasting in Kobe: $84
- Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour: $92
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
- Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $94
- KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Kobe $8.56
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
- Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Kobe?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
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 Kobe in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Kobe. Additionally, many visitors come to Kobe in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Kobe. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Kobe in the Autumn?
Both Kobe and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Kobe. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Kobe in the Winter?
Both Kobe and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kobe because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Kobe. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Kobe in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Kobe. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kobe 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 Kobe. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.