Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Sendai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $86Sendai $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $105. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Sendai $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Sendai $118
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Sendai? 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 Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Sendai $18
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: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sendai Airport to/from Sendai City private transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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) $26Sendai $33
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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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: $49
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Sendai $18
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Full Day Private Guided Tour in Hidden Spot, Daegu: $180
- 2-Day Busan East and South Private Tour: $300
- 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
- Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour: $77
- Beomeosa Temple and Hongbeopsa Temple Tour and local market tour: $81
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Custom-made Car Tour （Private Tour）: $187
- Busan Essential Private Tour with Heaedong Yonggungsa and Gamcheon Village: $240
- Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.: $99
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour: $89
Tours and Activities in Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $71
- Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Sendai $11
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Sendai, we can see that Sendai is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Sendai?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sendai in the Summer?
Both Sendai and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Sendai in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun.
Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Sendai. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sendai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Sendai. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Sendai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Sendai averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Sendai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Sendai. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sendai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Sendai. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Sendai. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sendai in the Spring?
Both Sendai and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Sendai in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Sendai. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.