Which place is cheaper, Nara or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Nara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Nara, 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $86Nara $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Nara? 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 Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Nara $5.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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
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Food Meals for one dayBusan (Pusan) $26Nara $28
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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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 Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Nara $7.81
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 Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Nara $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 Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Nara?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Nara, 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 Nara?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nara in the Summer?
Both Nara and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Nara during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Nara. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nara in the Autumn?
Both Nara and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Nara averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Nara. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nara in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Nara. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
It's quite cold in Nara in the winter. The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Nara. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Nara. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Nara in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Nara. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the natural beauty.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Nara. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nara. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Nara. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.