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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Split?

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

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

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.

Split

Split is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $100, while the average daily cost in Split is $224. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $38
    Split $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $76
    Split $192
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Split

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $19
    Split $27

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: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
  • Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Split ↔Žnjan Beach: Comfortable and Scenic Boat Transfer: $18
  • Private Split Airport Transfer to Split, Kaštela or Podstrana: $31
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Split airport to Split City: $33
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Slatine (Island Ciovo): $39
  • Private Transfer from Split Hotels to Cruise Port of Split: $41
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Split to Split hotels: $41
  • Private Transfer from Cruise Port of Split to Split Airport (SPU): $41
  • Private Transfer from Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split: $41
  • Cruise Port of Split to Split Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Split Cruise Port to Split Airport SPU-Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Split Hotels to Cruise Port of Split - Departure Private Transfer: $41

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

Prices for flights to both Split 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) $42
    Split $106
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

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


  • McDonald's
    $4.29
  • Carp Bread
    $0.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).

  • Busan Food Tour Jagalchi Market BIFF Square and Gukje Market: $60
  • Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
  • Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
  • Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $111
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Omiš: Sunset Boat Trip to Pučišća Brač island with Dinner: $59
  • Split’s Ultimate Walking Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks: $67
  • Small Group Food Tour with Private Option: $104
  • Split Food Tour Local Dishes and City Stories: $116
  • Split’s Ultimate Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $124
  • Split Old Town Authentic Food Tour with 9 Dishes & Local Wines: $128
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite at a Time: $140
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $141
  • Private VIP Split Food Tour with Seafood, Wine and Local Bites: $182
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $205
  • Split Cooking Class: $206
  • Vegan Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Split: $206

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $19
    Split $13

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • "Walking Tour: Busan local Experience + private guide: $57
  • (Guaranteed Return) Busan Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests: $70
  • (On-Time Return) Busan Cruise Shore Excursion for Small Group: $89
  • (Return Assurance) Busan Small Group Cruise Shore Excursion: $82
  • 7 Highlights Gyeongju City One Day Group Tour from Busan: $55
  • A Comprehensive Small-Group Busan Tour with Hotel Pickup: $58
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $33
  • Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket (한국인 구매 불가): $22
  • Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $33
  • Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
  • Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
  • Busan Dalmaji Culture Festa & Moonlight Walk Day Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Split Quest Experience: Discover the City: $4.99
  • Split self guided walking tour through history: $5.88
  • Split Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h and 17 audio reviews: $6.94
  • Split Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $9.99
  • Discover Split Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • TOP Split : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
  • Split Walking Tour Adria Aura Guide: $12
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Entry Ticket to Selfie Experience Museum: $13
  • Klis Fortress Sunset Tour & Game of Thrones Views: $13
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Klis Fortress & Olive Museum Tour with GOT Sites: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $11
    Split $20

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 Social Pub Crawl: $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Split Pub Crawl: Nightlife, Shots & Club Entry: $14
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $18
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $32
  • Ziggy Star's Nightlife Pub Crawl Experience in Split: $47
  • Wine Tasting at Seafront Tasting Room in Kastela: $49
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $53
  • Dalmatian wine tasting by Bottiglia wine & deli: $53
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $53
  • From Krka Waterfalls day tour & wine tasting: $55
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $55
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $55
  • Olive Oil and Wine Tasting with Snacks: $57


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


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Split?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Split in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Split. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Split. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Split. Also, most visitors come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Split. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Split. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Split because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°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 Split. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Split. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

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

Both Split and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Split. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)