Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Busan (Pusan)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Tokyo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $86Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Tokyo $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $31
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT): $36
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND): $38
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $45
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Yokohama Port: $59
- Private Transfer from Nagasaki Hotels to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $61
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Yokohama Port: $65
- Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Port: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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) $26Tokyo $37
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
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $23
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $26
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $54
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $59
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $60
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $69
- Sustainable Vegetable Temari Sushi Cooking Class in Asakusa: $69
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $73
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Tokyo $68
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 Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.23
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.66
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.17
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.47
- Akihabara (Tokyo): English Audio Guide Tour: $6.47
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.47
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.47
- Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.47
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.47
- Tokyo Local Bar Hopping Tour in Shibuya: $6.47
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.47
- Ueno Park Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $6.47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Tokyo $33
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- TOKYO | Temple, Shrine, Sake Bar Crawling: $62
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $79
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $84
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $91
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $103
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $106
- 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $165
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Busan (Pusan). When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Tokyo. Additionally, most visitors come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Tokyo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Tokyo averages at about 26°C (78°F).
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Tokyo in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Tokyo. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Tokyo. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Tokyo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Tokyo averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.