Which place is cheaper, Sado 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 Sado?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Sado, 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 Sado?
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.
Sado
Sado Island, Japan is located just off the coast of Niigata and is an old gold mining town that has since developed into a quiet summer holiday destination. The island is home to two mountain ranges, O-Sado in the north and Ko-sado in the south, with the popular Kuninaka plain in between the mountain ranges. With the remoteness of the island, it has become a popular destination for tourists to experience old Japan and get away from the busy mainland.
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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesSado Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Sado $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Sado is $82. 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 Sado in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Sado $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Sado $62
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Sado
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Sado? 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 Sado Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Sado $14
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Sado?
Prices for flights to both Sado 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) $44Sado $42
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Sado $8.74
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 Sado
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sado are as follows:
- Sado Island Highlights: 3-Hour Bike Tour: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Sado $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Sado, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Sado.
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 Sado Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Busan (Pusan) or Sado?
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 Sado in the Summer?
Both Sado and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Sado. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Sado during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Sado. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Sado 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sado in the Autumn?
Both Sado and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sado because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Sado. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.
Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Sado. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Sado 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sado in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Sado. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sado this time of year.
It's quite cold in Sado in the winter. The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.
Sado receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Sado. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Sado 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sado in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Sado.
In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sado. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sado. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Sado. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Sado 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sado and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Sado | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 162 mm (6.4 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.