Which place is cheaper, Ponce 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 Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Ponce, 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Ponce? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Ponce $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- 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
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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) $44Ponce $61
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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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: $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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
- Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Ponce $56
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan Yacht Tour with Music: $26
- Japanese Occupation and Korean War Historical Tour in Busan: $29
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Eden Valley Ski and Snowboard Tour from Busan : $41
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Day trip from Busan - A Spring Adventure!: $47
- Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour from Busan with Seoul Drop-off: $47
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan Full-Day City Tour with Gamcheon Village, Sea Temple & more: $49
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Prive Tours in Puerto Rico: $40
- Las Tinajas Waterfall: Guided Short Hike Adventure from Fajardo: $55
- Walking Guided Tour of History and Myths of Old San Juan : $60
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Half-Day Small-Group River Experience in El Yunque with Local : $68
- El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides & Beach Tour from San Juan: $75
- Party Bus Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Ponce, we can see that Ponce is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Busan (Pusan) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Busan (Pusan) 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce than you might in Busan (Pusan).
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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Ponce?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Ponce. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
Ponce gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Ponce. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Ponce. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Ponce. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Ponce. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.