Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Melbourne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
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.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
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 in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $91Melbourne $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $91, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $182. 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 Melbourne in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $41Melbourne $122
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $82Melbourne $244
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Melbourne
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Melbourne? 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 Melbourne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Melbourne $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $88
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $82
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $74
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $80
- Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $80
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $124
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $124
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $248
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $124
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
-
Airport Bus$11
-
Tram Ride$2.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Melbourne Airport: Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $17
- Melbourne Airport: One-Way Transfer to Melbourne: $31
- Private Transfer from Melbourne Cruise Port to Melbourne hotels: $40
- Private Transfer from Melbourne hotels to Melbourne Cruise Port: $40
- From Melbourne Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Melbourne: $40
- Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne APT-HTL (MEL): $69
- Airport to City Private Transfer (One-way): $83
- Nighttime Private City Tour with Transfer & Stops: $84
- Melbourne Airport: 1-Way Melbourne Airport Private Transfer: $90
- Private Arrival Transfer: Melbourne Airports to Hotel: $91
- Airport Transfers - Chauffeur Car & Limo Services of Melbourne: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Melbourne?
Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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 dayBusan (Pusan) $27Melbourne $31
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's$4.72
-
Carp Bread$0.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner : $50
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $51
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Coffee$2.69
-
Pizza$4.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour in Melbourne's Inner North: $28
- Multicultural Food Tour in Melbourne Markets: $53
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $55
- Queen Victoria Market Early Access Food Tour: $55
- Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $56
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $83
- Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $89
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $103
- Secret Food Tour: $116
- Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $136
- Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $136
- Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $138
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Melbourne $28
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
- 1 Day Private Busan Guided Tour: $300
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Beomeosa Temple, Bujeon Market & Jagalchi Market(Private Tour): $260
- 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 Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Certified Guide: $89
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks: $110
- Busan ONE-DAY Highlights for PRIVATE CRUISE PASSENGER'S: $250
- Busan Pick up & Drop off (Anywhere) or Night View Tour: $65
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Melbourne (St Kilda) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.04
- Marvellous A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $10
- Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $10
- Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $10
- Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $10
- Melbourne Sports Walking Tour: $13
- Melbourne Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Upside Down House Photo Experience in Australia: $15
- Explore Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Self-Guided Street Art Tour in Melbourne with Fun Cryptic Clues: $17
- Melbourne Scavenger Hunt - Arts & Culture Adventure: $17
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Melbourne $17
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
-
Bottle of Wine$5.20
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Melbourne Pub Crawl: $18
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $27
- Distillery Tour & Tasting: $41
- Yarra Valley Food and Wine Tour with Lunch: $57
- Epic Melbourne Brewery Tour Northside Edition: $76
- Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Gin and Cider: $83
- Yarra Valley Day Trip with Local Wine Tastings from Melbourne: $108
- Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour from Melbourne: $111
- Mornington Peninsula Winery Tour Including Wine Tastings and 2-Course Lunch: $166
- Mornington Peninsula Premium Tour with Wine Tasting at Yabby Lake : $182
- Yarra Valley Full Day Private Wine Tour : $259
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Melbourne?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Busan (Pusan). When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Busan (Pusan) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Melbourne in the Summer?
Both Melbourne and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.
In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Melbournein January. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Melbournein January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Melbourne 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Melbourne in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Melbourne. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F)in April.
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Melbournein April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Melbourne 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Melbourne in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Melbourne. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Melbournein July. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Melbournein July. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Melbournein July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Melbourne 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Melbourne in the Spring?
Both Melbourne and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Melbournein October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Melbourne 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Melbourne and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Melbourne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.