Which place is cheaper, Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
-
Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Suzhou $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Suzhou? 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) $20Suzhou $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- 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
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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) $44Suzhou $57
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 Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Suzhou $9.47
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 Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
- Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
- Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
- Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
- Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $22
- Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Suzhou $6.50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Suzhou?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Suzhou. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Suzhou in the Autumn?
Both Suzhou and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Suzhou. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Suzhou.
Suzhou can be very cold during winter. Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Suzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Suzhou averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Suzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Suzhou.
In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Suzhou. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 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.