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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Nagano?

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

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

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $109. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Nagano $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Nagano $126
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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 Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nagano $10

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: $137
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66

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

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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) $44
    Nagano $39
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

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


  • McDonald's
    $4.43
  • 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: $53
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
  • Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nagano $8.45

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

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

  • "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
  • 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
  • A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
  • Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
  • Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
  • Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
  • Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
  • Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
  • Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
  • Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251

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


When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Nagano?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Nagano. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Nagano. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Nagano. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Nagano. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 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 Nagano. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)