Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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.
Jump to 
Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Saint Thomas?
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 Thomas, 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 Thomas?
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 Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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.
-
Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Saint Thomas $131
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Saint Thomas? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$65
-
Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $135
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $144
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 dayBusan (Pusan) $44Saint Thomas $94
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
- 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- 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 City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Thomas 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 Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Saint Thomas?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Saint Thomas, 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 Saint Thomas?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Saint Thomas. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Saint Thomas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.