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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Nagasaki?

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

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

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.

Nagasaki

Set in a natural harbor on the northwest coast of Japan, Nagasaki is a Japanese city synonymous with a key moment during WWII after suffering an Allied nuclear attack in 1945. While the event is memorialized at the city's Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, the city in no way is defined by the event. Today it exists as a culturally and religiously diverse port town with a certain charm amongst the terraces of surrounding hills.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki is $90. 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 Nagasaki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Nagasaki $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Nagasaki $94
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Nagasaki

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


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 Nagasaki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nagasaki $18

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: $84
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
  • Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

Also for Nagasaki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Port to Nagasaki Airport (NGS): $46
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Airport: $51
  • Private Transfer - Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki hotels: $68
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Nagasaki Airport(NGS) to Nagasaki city - Arrival Private Transfer: $96
  • Nagasaki to Nagasaki Airport (NGS) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $143
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143

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

Prices for flights to both Nagasaki 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
    Nagasaki $28
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagasaki

For Nagasaki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Beach Dinner: $50
  • Nagasaki Night Out Food Tour: $158
  • Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki: $161

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nagasaki $23

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
  • 2-Day Busan East and South Private Tour: $300
  • 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
  • Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour: $77
  • Beomeosa Temple and Hongbeopsa Temple Tour and local market tour: $81
  • 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 Custom-made Car Tour (Private Tour): $187
  • Busan Essential Private Tour with Heaedong Yonggungsa and Gamcheon Village: $240
  • Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
  • Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.: $99
  • Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour: $89

Tours and Activities in Nagasaki

For Nagasaki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $12
  • Nagasaki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Stunning Nagasaki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
  • Nagasaki Shianbashi Tour: $76
  • Taste Local Life: Nagasaki's Historical Street Walking Tour: $78
  • Nagasaki Downtown Private Tour: $80
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with 1-day Tram Ticket: $84
  • Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $88
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
  • Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Nagasaki $11

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 Nagasaki, we can see that Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Nagasaki?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

Both Nagasaki and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Nagasaki. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki 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 less rain in July than Nagasaki. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Nagasaki 27°C (81°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Nagasaki. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagasaki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagasaki during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagasaki receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Nagasaki 20°C (67°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Nagasaki. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Nagasaki in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°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 Nagasaki. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Nagasaki. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Nagasaki 7°C (44°F)

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

Both Nagasaki and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Nagasaki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Nagasaki 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Nagasaki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 175 mm (6.9 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 193 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 328 mm (12.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 334 mm (13.1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 28°C (83°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)