Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $91Suzhou $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $91, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $104. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $41Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $82Suzhou $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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Suzhou $59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $74
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $80
- Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $80
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $82
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $88
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $124
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $124
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $124
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $248
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- 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
- Private Transfer to Hangzhou City from Suzhou: $113
- Private Transfer from Suzhou to Hangzhou City Area : $137
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
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
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Food Meals for one dayBusan (Pusan) $27Suzhou $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$4.72
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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 Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner : $50
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $51
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
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: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $21Suzhou $9.58
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Haeundae Busan Walking Day Tour: $25
- The Way of Tea - Experience: $40
- Eden Valley Winter Ski Resort Day Tour from Busan+SPA LAND option: $41
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Busan: Jagalchi Market & Gamcheon Village Walking Tour With Guide: $51
- Full-Day Busan City Tour: $52
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $56
- Historic and Natural Beauty- Gyeongju Autumn Foliage Day Tour: $62
- Jinhae Gunhangje Night Tour : $62
- Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival with Gamcheon Culture Village Tour: $63
- Ulsan Taehwa River National Garden Autumn Foliage One Day Tour: $64
- Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour From Busan: $65
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
- Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- Suzhou Private Flexible City Tour with Lunch Option: $121
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
- Private Flexible Suzhou Day Tour with Old and New Highlights: $127
- Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
- Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car with Drop-off Option : $137
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Suzhou $6.58
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 comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.