Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Dalian or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian 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: Dalian or Busan (Pusan)?
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Dalian Prices
China PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $124Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $124, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) 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 Dalian and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $55Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $110Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Dalian 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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Dalian 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 dayDalian $48Busan (Pusan) $44
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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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: $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.86Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
- 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.41Busan (Pusan) $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Dalian 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Dalian 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 Dalian or Busan (Pusan)?
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 Dalian or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Dalian during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Dalian. Dalian usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDalian 24°C (75°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Busan (Pusan).
Dalian is cooler than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDalian 15°C (58°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Busan (Pusan).
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Dalian can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDalian -4°C (25°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDalian 11°C (51°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Dalian
| Dalian | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.