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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Saint John?

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

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

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.

Saint John

With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.

This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Saint John 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.

  • Busan (Pusan) Prices
    South Korea Prices
    Saint John Prices
    USVI Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Busan (Pusan) $104
    Saint John $233

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 Saint John in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Saint John $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Saint John

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Saint John? 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 Saint John


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Saint John $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

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

  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66

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

Prices for flights to both Saint John 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) $44
    Saint John $97
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

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


  • McDonald's
    $4.43
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Saint John $23

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 Saint John

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

  • St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Saint John $44


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



When is the best time to visit Busan (Pusan) or Saint John?

Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Saint John in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Saint John. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Saint John. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Saint John 29°C (83°F)

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Saint John. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.

Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Saint John in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Saint John. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Saint John. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Saint John 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Saint John and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Saint John averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Saint John. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Saint John 26°C (78°F)

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

Both Saint John and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.

In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Saint John. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Saint John. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Saint John receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Saint John 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Saint John
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 29°C (84°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 126 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)