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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Rome?

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

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

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.

Rome

Rome is the kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.

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 Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $100, while the average daily cost in Rome is $236. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $38
    Rome $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $76
    Rome $206
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Rome

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


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $19
    Rome $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
  • Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $65

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.28
  • Train to the Airport
    $17
  • Taxi to Airport
    $51
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Transfer Ciampino Airport - Rome City Center Shuttle Bus: $7.04
  • Bus Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City: $7.04
  • Transfer Rome center - Fiumicino airport: $8.21
  • Transfer Ciampino Airport - Rome center: $9.39
  • Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $9.42
  • Rome from Civitavecchia Transfer with Optional Open Bus: $32
  • Rome Private Transfer with Italian Breakfast on demand: $35
  • Ciampino Transfer: $43
  • Rome’s Bone Chapel with Audioguide App and Panoramic Bus Transfer: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer: Rome Hotels to Train Station: $48
  • Ciampino to Rome transfer: $48
  • Ciampino to Rome city transfers: $48

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

Prices for flights to both Rome 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) $42
    Rome $95
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.29
  • Carp Bread
    $0.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).

  • Busan Food Tour Jagalchi Market BIFF Square and Gukje Market: $60
  • Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
  • Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $111
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $16
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.41
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.56
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $3.02
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $36
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.28
  • Dinner
    $66

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Rome Cooking: Pasta & Tiramisu Making, Free-Flowing Fine Wine: $39
  • Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine: $41
  • Rome Food Tour for Breakfast Lovers: $41
  • Rome Food Tour: Tastings in the Jewish Ghetto & Campo de' Fiori: $42
  • Milan Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $45
  • Rome Early Morning Breakfast and Sightseeing Food Tour: $46
  • Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $47
  • Gnocchi Cooking Class in Rome - Piazza Navona: $47
  • Pasta Cooking Class in Rome - Fettuccine Class in Piazza Navona: $47
  • Rome Street Food Tour: Eat Like a Local: $50
  • Cooking Class in the Heart of Pizza and Tiramisu Making: $51
  • Rome Street Food Tour Eat Like a Local: $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $19
    Rome $41

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 Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid: $14
  • Busan Yacht Tour – Gwangan Bridge & Marine City Cruise: $14
  • Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket (한국인 구매 불가): $22
  • Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $25
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $33
  • Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $33
  • Korean Serenity Incense Tea and Meditation Experience: $36
  • Busan to Gyeongju UNESCO Legacy Tour: $38
  • From Busan to Gyeongju UNESCO Authentic Tour: $38

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $79
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $38
  • Roma Pass
    $34
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $23
  • Segway Tour
    $86

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking tour with Archaeologist: $1.40
  • Rome Best Kept Secrets: Self-Guided City Tour: $2.31
  • Historical Walking Tour in Rome City Center with Hidden Gems: $3.75
  • Highlights of Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Walking Tour: $4.69
  • Colosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Walking Tour: $4.69
  • Rome:Pantheon Entry Ticket with Hosted Experience and Audio Guide: $5.28
  • Rome Timeless Trail Self Guided Walking Tour with App: $5.50
  • Pantheon Admission Ticket : Audio Guide or Guided Tour: $5.85
  • Pantheon Rome Timed Entry Ticket and optional Minerva: $5.87
  • Testaccio: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Rome's Food Traditions: $6.10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The gods of the Palatine: $6.72
  • Rome Walking Tour 2h40 and 23 audio commentary: $6.92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $11
    Rome $21

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 Social Pub Crawl: $22

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.41
  • Pint of Beer
    $7.23
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

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

  • Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $22
  • Cabaret and Burlesque Show: $35
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $40
  • Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $46
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience with Food Pairing: $53
  • Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $56
  • Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $57
  • Dolce Vita Burlesque show: $59
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $65
  • Rome Nightlife Party Tour Monti Bar Crawl and Local Drinks: $67
  • Rome Night Tipsy Tour & Bar Crawl with Forbidden History: $69
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $76


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome is in Europe, 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Rome?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Rome. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Rome. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Rome. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Rome. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

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

Both Rome and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rome 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 Rome in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Rome during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Rome. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

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

Both Rome and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 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 Rome. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Rome and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)