Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao 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.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Tao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
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.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesKoh Tao Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $96Koh Tao $48
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $96, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $48. 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 Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $36Koh Tao $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $72Koh Tao $32
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Koh Tao? 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 Koh Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $19Koh Tao $9.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $121
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Busan Airport and KTX Station Transfer Service: $79
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental$5.71
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Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Tao
Also for Koh Tao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Tao to Krabi High Speed Catamaran with Bus Transfer: $55
- Convenient Catamaran and Bus Transfer from Koh Tao to Krabi: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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) $41Koh Tao $18
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.13
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Carp Bread$0.67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Traditional Market Food Tour: $48
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $50
- Busan Food Tour Jagalchi Market BIFF Square and Gukje Market: $58
- Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $60
- Busan Market Jokbal Dinner Beach Experience Tour: $75
- Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Kimchi Kitchens Busan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $107
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
Typical Food Prices in Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
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Sit Down Lunch (for One)$6.01
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Breakfast$4.51
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Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.60
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$15
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Pancake$2.10
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American Breakfast (for Two)$8.41
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Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$8.11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
- Memorable Thai Cooking Class with Stunning View from Koh Tao: $65
- Private Thai Cooking Class at Rooftop Kitchen on Koh Tao: $249
- Koh Tao Private Rooftop Thai Cooking Class with Scenic View: $266
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $18Koh Tao $29
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- (Guaranteed Return) Busan Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests: $68
- (On-Time Return) Busan Cruise Shore Excursion for Small Group: $89
- (Return Assurance) Busan Small Group Cruise Shore Excursion: $80
- A Comprehensive Small-Group Busan Tour with Hotel Pickup: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $32
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $32
- 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 Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
- Busan Cruise Shore Excursion: City Highlights and Food Taste Tour: $73
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental (One Hour)$7.51
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Snorkel Rental$3.00
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Kayak and Snorkel (2)$3.00
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- No Rush Morning & Afternoon 5 Stop Snorkeling tour for Koh Tao: $27
- Snorkelling Trip 5 Island Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nang yuan: $29
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $29
- Ko Tao: Ko Nangyuan & Hidden Bays Snorkeling Tour with Lunch: $29
- Koh Tao Top Crystal Clear Snorkeling Day Tour by Big Boat: $29
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $31
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $33
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $33
- Koh Tao's First Light Snorkel Adventure with Oxygen Tours: $35
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan: $37
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $45
- CocoTipAdventures and Snorkel with Meals-BBQs-Cocktail-Sunset: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $11Koh Tao $7.87
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 Social Pub Crawl: $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer$1.95
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Koh Tao, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao.
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 Koh Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Koh Tao?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 2660 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Tao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Koh Tao. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Koh Tao. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
Both Koh Tao and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Koh Tao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Tao in the Winter?
Both Koh Tao and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Koh Tao. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Tao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Koh Tao. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Koh Tao in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Tao this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun in the spring.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.