Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 Brazil, and The Best Budget Tours to Brazil.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $95Rio de Janeiro $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $95, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $119. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $36Rio de Janeiro $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $72Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $18Rio de Janeiro $7.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $64
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $64
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG): $17
- Private One Way Transfer to or from Rio: $19
- Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $20
- Private Transfer Economic GIG / SDU up to 4 pax to South Zone: $26
- Private transfer Minivan GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 6 pax to Zona Sul: $28
- Transfer: Galeão Airport(GIG) to Rio de Janeiro City: $28
- Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport: $31
- Round Trip Tom Jobim Airport Private Transfer to Rio de Janeiro: $33
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG): $35
- Private One Way Airport Transfer Rio to Galeao Airport: $35
- Private One-way Airport Transfer From Galeao Airport To Rio: $35
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Airport (SDU): $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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) $40Rio de Janeiro $35
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.05
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Carp Bread$0.66
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: $48
- Kimchi Kitchens Busan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $100
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $104
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.58
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Corn on the Cob$0.78
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Hamburger$0.97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Vegan Rio Cooking Class: Hands-On Moqueca & Caipirinhas: $55
- Rio Roots Food Tour with 12 Tastings: $62
- Carioca Kitchens Rio de Janeiro Food Tour with 12 Tastings: $67
- Guided Dinner in Rio at a Restaurant of Your Choice: $70
- Roxy Dinner Show: That Embrace Show: $79
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
- Brazilian Churrascaria Guided Dinner in Rio with Wine Pairing: $89
- Rio Food Tour: Local Favorites, Hidden Gems & Brazilian Flavors: $94
- Rio Night Food Tour: Street Food, Local Drinks & Hidden Gems: $95
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- Folklore show Ginga Tropical with Optional Dinner: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $18Rio de Janeiro $21
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 Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $12
- Busan Vaunce Trampoline Yongho W Center Discount Ticket(내국인불가): $21
- South Korea: Skyline Luge Busan Entry Ticket: $30
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $31
- Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $31
- Korean Serenity Incense Tea and Meditation Experience: $33
- Busan Tour: Sky Capsule, Gamcheon, Haeundae Blueline Park & more: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan Night One Day Tour Maximum 7 Pax: $40
- Busan to Gyeongju UNESCO Legacy Tour: $40
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.46
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.46
- Rio de Janeiro(Ipanema-Copacabana)Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Tour: $4.46
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.49
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.30
- Discover A Guided Tour: $8.15
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Electric Bike Tour: $16
- Private guided tour in Rio de Janeiro: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $11Rio de Janeiro $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 with Traditional Korean Pub Experience: $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Lapa by Night: Samba, Cachaça & The Ultimate Rio Pub Crawl: $30
- More than a Pub Crawl: An Authentic Night Experience in Rio: $33
- Dance the Night Away at a Pedra do Sal Bar Crawl: $38
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
- Botafogo Bar Crawl Eat and Drink Like a Local: $50
- Rio Pub Crawl with Caipirinhas & Bar Bites: $95
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $123
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro is in South 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 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Busan (Pusan). When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Busan (Pusan) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Rio de Janeiro. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiroin January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Rio de Janeiro. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.