Which place is cheaper, Surfers Paradise or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Surfers Paradise?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?
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.
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
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 Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $91Surfers Paradise $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $91, while the average daily cost in Surfers Paradise is $109. 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 Surfers Paradise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $41Surfers Paradise $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $82Surfers Paradise $140
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Surfers Paradise
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Surfers Paradise? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Surfers Paradise $12
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: $86
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $81
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $81
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $78
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $86
- Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $78
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $122
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $122
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $122
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $15
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $52
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Surfers Paradise?
Prices for flights to both Surfers Paradise 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) $27Surfers Paradise $28
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.72
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Carp Bread$0.76
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: $50
- Busan Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner : $50
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $116
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Surfers Paradise $25
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
- 1 Day Private Busan Guided Tour: $300
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Certified Guide: $89
- Busan Market Tour after dialect class or Samgwangsa temple: $100
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks: $110
- Busan Night Tour includes Snapshots: $57
- Busan Pick up & Drop off (Anywhere) or Night View Tour: $65
- Busan Private Tour with Korean Speaking Driver : $259
- Busan Private Tour with a licensed tour guide: $220
Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$82
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line:Wax Museum Ticket-World in Wax & Guided Tour of Chamber of Horrors: $23
- Gold Coast - Hopo 2 Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $27
- Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $31
- Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise 1 Day Pass: $31
- Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $33
- Fisherman's Friend Morning Tea Cruise: $35
- Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $37
- Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $38
- Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $38
- Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $39
- Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $48
- Gold Coast: 360-Degree High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Surfers Paradise $12
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 Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise is in Pacific, 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Surfers Paradise?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Surfers Paradise is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Busan (Pusan) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?
Both Surfers Paradise and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein January. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.
Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradisein January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Surfers Paradise. Furthermore, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Surfers Paradisein April. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Surfers Paradise. Additionally, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein July. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradisein July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?
Both Surfers Paradise and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Surfers Paradise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.