A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dar es Salaam vs. Busan (Pusan) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Busan (Pusan)?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Busan (Pusan)?

Dar es Salaam

Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.

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 Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.


Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Dar es Salaam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, 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 Dar es Salaam and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Busan (Pusan) $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Busan (Pusan)

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam 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.

Hotels in Dar es Salaam


Hotels in Busan (Pusan)


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: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192

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 Dar es Salaam or Busan (Pusan)?

Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Dar es Salaam 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 day
    Dar es Salaam $33
    Busan (Pusan) $44

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.

  • Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $34
  • Daressalaam city sightseeing private tour: $55
  • Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
  • The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $90
  • Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $90
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
  • Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Dar es Salaam Guided City Experience (Shared Group): $130
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Busan (Pusan) $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa and Busan (Pusan) is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Dar es Salaam. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam or Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dar es Salaam experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?

Both Busan (Pusan) and Dar es Salaam during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In Dar es Salaam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Busan (Pusan). Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Busan (Pusan). Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?

Both Busan (Pusan) and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Dar es Salaam. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Busan (Pusan)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)