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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Nagoya?

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

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

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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!

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 Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagoya 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 Nagoya is $89. 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 Nagoya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Nagoya $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Nagoya $92
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Nagoya

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


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 Nagoya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nagoya $11

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 Nagoya

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

  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $94
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya city hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port : $131
  • Chubu Itn Airport to/from Nagoya City private transfer: $136
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port: $144
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Nagoya Private Transfer: $157
  • Nagoya airport to/from LEGOLAND Private transfer: $187
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Suzuka Circuit: $276
  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $283
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Kyoto Private Transfer: $441

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

Prices for flights to both Nagoya 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
    Nagoya $27
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 Nagoya

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

  • Grandma’s Traditional Cooking Class: $65
  • Nagoya Special Food Tour: $66
  • Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local in Her Home: $92
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $174

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nagoya $13

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 Nagoya

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

  • Shirakawa-go from Nagoya One Day Bus ticket Oneway/Roundway: $22
  • Shirakawa-go From Nagoya One day Bus Self-guided Tour: $23
  • Hida Takayama from Nagoya Bus ticket Oneway/Raundway: $25
  • Shirakawa-go from nagoya 1D Bus ticket with Hida Beef Lunch: $49
  • Tie-Dye Activity and Traditional Town Walking Tour in NAGOYA: $52
  • From Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $60
  • From Ise Grand Shrine Day Tour: $60
  • Private Tea Ceremony Experience in a Shopping Arcade Tea Room: $65
  • Private Tour to Famous Places in Nagoya: $71
  • Customized Private Tour: $72
  • Mitsui Outlet Park, Light-Up Festival, & Onsen Tour: $76
  • Hida Takayama & World Heritage Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $81

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Nagoya $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 Pub Crawl: $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:

  • Pub Crawl in Nagoya: $38
  • Restaurant and Bar Crawl in Nagoya Japan: $40


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


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Nagoya?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Nagoya. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

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 Nagoya in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Nagoya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagoya averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun.

Nagoya 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 more rain in July than Nagoya. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Nagoya 27°C (80°F)

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

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

In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Nagoya during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagoya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Nagoya 18°C (64°F)

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

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

It's quite cold in Nagoya in the winter. The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Nagoya in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°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 Nagoya. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Nagoya. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Nagoya 4°C (40°F)

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

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

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Nagoya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Nagoya averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagoya. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Nagoya 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Nagoya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 65 mm (2.6 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) 152 mm (6 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)