Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $86. 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 Cebu and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Busan (Pusan)? 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: Cebu Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Mactan Airport - Cebu City Sepoart (Transfer): $20
- Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
- Seamless Transfer from MactanCebu Airport to Your City Hotel: $23
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Mandaue city: $40
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Lapu-Lapu city: $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $40
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Cebu 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 dayCebu $21Busan (Pusan) $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $67
- Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $69
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $89
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $108
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour: $20
- Cebu City Tour: Temple of Leah and many more: $36
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $40
- Cebu City Tour (Joiners Tour): $41
- Guided Heritage City Tour: $44
- Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $45
- Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
- Land Tour | Bantayan Island - Sightseeing - Guided Tour: $46
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $52
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City with Sirao Garden Half Day Tour: $57
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00
- Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $13
- The Way of Tea - Experience: $38
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $41
- Full-Day Busan City Tour: $51
- Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
- Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
- Tour to Busan Highlights Hydrangea, Songdo and Gamcheon : $67
- Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
- West Busan Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Busan (Pusan) $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
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 Cebu and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) than you might in Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Busan (Pusan), 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 Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cebu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
In the summer, Cebu is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Cebu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Cebu is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Busan (Pusan). Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Cebu
| Cebu | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.