Which place is cheaper, Kyoto 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 Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesKyoto Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $100Kyoto $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $100, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $111. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $38Kyoto $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $76Kyoto $124
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $19Kyoto $7.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $65
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $77
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $106
- Kyoto Station to Kyoto City Private Transfer: $122
- Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $123
- Arashiyama Kinkakuji Quiet Trail E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $123
- Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $126
- Departure Transfer from Kyoto to Itami Airport ITM by Minivan: $130
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $138
- Kyoto hotels to Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $153
- Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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) $42Kyoto $40
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.29
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Carp Bread$0.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Food Tour Jagalchi Market BIFF Square and Gukje Market: $60
- Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $111
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour Hidden Tastings and Local Insights: $41
- Kyoto Izakaya Hopping: Pontocho & Gion Local Food Tour: $47
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 Tastings: $52
- Kyoto Home Cooking Class Okonomiyaki and Japanese Cuisines: $52
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $59
- Japanese Cooking Class: $60
- T9 Kyoto Night Food Tour in Gion and Pontocho: $64
- Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host: $69
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $70
- Dinner with Maiko: $70
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $19Kyoto $13
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $12
- Busan Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid: $14
- Busan Yacht Tour – Gwangan Bridge & Marine City Cruise: $14
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket (한국인 구매 불가): $22
- Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $25
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $33
- Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $33
- Korean Serenity Incense Tea and Meditation Experience: $36
- Busan to Gyeongju UNESCO Legacy Tour: $38
- From Busan to Gyeongju UNESCO Authentic Tour: $38
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $1.15
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Kyoto Self Guided Walking Tour Gion Alleys with Audio and Quiz: $6.59
- Tea Ceremony Experience (includes Matcha grinding demonstration): $8.25
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Ticket 360 Degree Observation Deck Kyoto: $10
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
- Kyoto Hanafuda Card Game Experience with Local English Learners: $13
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $15
- Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket: $15
- Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Repair Experience in Central Kyoto: $16
- Ticket to Sake Tasting Night in Fushimi: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $11Kyoto $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 Social Pub Crawl: $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto Nightlife Pub Crawl with Drinks and Karaoke: $27
- Kyoto's Sake District Brewery Tour and Tasting: $40
- Kyoto Night Pub Crawl: Pontocho & Gion Hidden Alley Bars Tour: $41
- Kyoto sake brewery experience tour (Includes 4 sake tastings): $81
- 3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings: $83
- Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkey or Local Mountain Brewery: $88
- Fushimi Cherry Blossom and Sake Brewery Tour: $95
- Hidden Bar Crawl in Pontocho & Gion (Food & Drink Incl.): $105
- Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours: $110
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit: $141
- Private Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: Certified Expert & Inside Access: $156
- Visit Whisky Distillery Tour from Kyoto: $225
When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Kyoto?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
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 Kyoto in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Kyoto. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Kyoto. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Kyoto averages at about 18°C (64°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 Kyoto. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Kyoto in the Winter?
Both Kyoto and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Kyoto 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 Kyoto during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.
Kyoto 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 Kyoto. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 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.