Which place is cheaper, Playa del Carmen 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.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Playa del Carmen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesPlaya del Carmen Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $108Playa del Carmen $90
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $108, while the average daily cost in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $40Playa del Carmen $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $80Playa del Carmen $72
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Playa del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Playa del Carmen? 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 Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Playa del Carmen $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya: $20
- Private One Way or Roundtrip Transfer to Costa Mujeres Hotels: $20
- Cancun Airport Departure transfer from Playa Paraiso, Playa del Carmen, Playacar: $27
- One way shared transfer to Chiquila: $34
- CUN Airport One-Way/Round-Trip Transfers to Playa del Carmen: $60
- Chetumal to Chetumal Airport (CTM) - Departure Private Transfer: $63
- From One way shared transfer to Holbox: $69
- Cancun Airport: Private Transfers: From/to Playa del Carmen: $70
- Transfer from Playa del Carmen to the airport and hotels in Cancun: $71
- Round trip Private Transfer Cancun -Costa Mujeres/ Playa Mujeres: $71
- Transfer from Playa del Carmen to the airport and hotels in Tulum: $74
- Private van transfer for groups of up to 14 passengers: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Playa del Carmen?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Carmen 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) $46Playa del Carmen $37
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.60
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Carp Bread$0.74
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $110
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
- Private Busan Culture and Food Tour with a Local Guide: $143
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Christmas Eve Dinner in a magical jungle setting: $45
- Playa Plates Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $65
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $67
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Cooking Class in 9 Recipes & Drinks: $77
- Playa del Carmen Food Tour Discover Hidden Mexican Culinary Gems: $80
- Playa del Carmen Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Yucatan Dishes: $81
- Food Tour Through Markets with 7 Tastings: $82
- VIP Private Mystery Dinner Murder in the Jungle: $85
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $89
- Mayan Ceremony in Tulum. Temazcal, Dinner and pick up included.: $92
- Mexican Cooking Class: $113
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Playa del Carmen $16
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Podcast Tour Survival and Sorrow in Wartime Busan: $6.85
- Busan Tower Admission Ticket: $9.49
- Busan Tower Ticket: $10
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $12
- Busan Blueline Park Sky Capsule or Beach Train Ticket: $14
- Busan Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid: $15
- Busan Sky Tower Admission Ticket: $20
- Busan Vaunce Trampoline Yongho W Center Discount Ticket(내국인불가): $21
- Busan Yacht Tour – Gwangan Bridge & Marine City Cruise: $23
- Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $25
- Jinju Lantern Festival Sacheon Day Tour From Busan: $26
- Busan Skyline Luge E Ticket: $28
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus Ticket connecting Cancun Central and Playa del Carmen: $7.20
- Ek Balam Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $9.99
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen: $16
- Tour of Chichén Itzá, 2 cenotes and Valladolid: $17
- Playa del Carmen Coastal Heritage Walking Tour: $17
- 4X1 Enjoy a tour to Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen: $20
- Riviera Maya: Frida Kahlo Museum Guided Tour 2025: $20
- Full day Chichén Itzá Tour from Cancún and Riviera Maya: $22
- Akumal Beach : VIP Swimming Tour with Turtles and Corals: $25
- Playa Del Carmen Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $30
- Chichen Itza Cenote and Valladolid All Inclusive Tour: $32
- Behind the Scenes – German-language Cultural Tour.: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Playa del Carmen $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Playa After Dark: 5th Ave Social Pub Crawl, Playa del Carmen: $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Playa del Carmen, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Playa del Carmen is in North America, 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 Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) than you might in Playa del Carmen.
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 Playa del Carmen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Playa del Carmen?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen?
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 Playa del Carmen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Playa del Carmen. Also, most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 223 hours of full sun in the summer.
Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Playa del Carmen 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Playa del Carmen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Playa del Carmen. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Playa del Carmen. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 233 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Playa del Carmen. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Playa del Carmen 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Playa del Carmen in the Winter?
Both Playa del Carmen and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Playa del Carmen in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Playa del Carmen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Carmen during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Carmen receives 224 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Playa del Carmen. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Playa del Carmen 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Playa del Carmen in the Spring?
Both Playa del Carmen and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Playa del Carmen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Playa del Carmen averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Playa del Carmen. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Carmen receives 259 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Carmen. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Playa del Carmen receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Playa del Carmen 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Carmen and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Playa del Carmen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.