A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Busan (Pusan) vs. Lake Tekapo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Lake Tekapo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Lake Tekapo, 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 Lake Tekapo?

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.

Lake Tekapo

Tekapo is a lakeside town on the South Island of New Zealand, and it is part of the Mackenzie District of Canterbury. This is one of the bluest lakes in the country and is surrounded by the mighty mountains of the Southern Alps.

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 New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Tekapo or Busan (Pusan)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Lake Tekapo is $75. 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 Lake Tekapo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Lake Tekapo $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Lake Tekapo $118
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Lake Tekapo

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Lake Tekapo? 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.

Hotels in Busan (Pusan)


Hotels in Lake Tekapo


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 Lake Tekapo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Lake Tekapo -

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 Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Lake Tekapo?

Prices for flights to both Lake Tekapo 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 day
    Busan (Pusan) $26
    Lake Tekapo $13
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.48
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Lake Tekapo -

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00
  • Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
  • Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $13
  • The Way of Tea - Experience: $38
  • Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $41
  • Full-Day Busan City Tour: $51
  • Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
  • Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
  • Tour to Busan Highlights Hydrangea, Songdo and Gamcheon : $67
  • Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
  • West Busan Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
  • Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68

Tours and Activities in Lake Tekapo

Here are a few actual costs in Lake Tekapo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Indoor Māori Cultural Astronomy Experience: $30
  • Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience: $31
  • Dark Sky Virtual Stargazing Experience: $41
  • 45 Minutes Virtual Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo: $43
  • High Country Farm Tour - Lake Tekapo: $59
  • Alpine Stargazing Experience with a Guide: $59
  • Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour: $60
  • 中文观星团 Chinese tour: $65
  • Stargazing Experience: $65
  • Crater Experience at Cowan's Observatory: $85
  • From Tekapo: Mt Cook day tour via Pukaki, Tasman Glacier: $100
  • Summit Experience - University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Lake Tekapo -

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 Lake Tekapo, we can see that Busan (Pusan) 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. Even though Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Lake Tekapo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Lake Tekapo?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 11150 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Lake Tekapo, 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.