Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
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.
Rotorua
Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.
Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.
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 New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $91Rotorua $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $91, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $100. 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 Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $41Rotorua $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $82Rotorua $102
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Rotorua? 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 Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Rotorua $5.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $80
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $78
- Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $78
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $121
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan Round-Trip Private Transfer: $243
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua
Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $193
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua 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) $27Rotorua $31
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.72
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Carp Bread$0.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner : $50
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
- Vegan Friendly Korean Food Cooking Class: $70
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $116
- Busan big Barbecue dinner at the garden : $150
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $103
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Rotorua $36
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- 1 Day Private Busan Guided Tour: $300
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Certified Guide: $89
- Busan Market Tour after dialect class or Samgwangsa temple: $100
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks: $110
- Busan Pick up & Drop off (Anywhere) or Night View Tour: $83
- Busan Private Bike Tour: $100
- Busan Private Taxi Car Charter Tour: $236
- Busan Private Tour for cruise ship passengers: $250
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Lunch Out for Two$29
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mini Golf Experience: $12
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $27
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $28
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $28
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $28
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $28
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $38
- Sky View Private Pools Experience: $43
- Whaka Trails and Maori Village Combo Tour : $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Rotorua $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: $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$12
When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua 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. Even though Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Rotorua is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Rotorua?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Rotorua. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Rotorua. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (55°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.