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.
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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.
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Dar es Salaam Prices
Tanzania PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDar es Salaam $463Busan (Pusan) $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $463, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $108. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDar es Salaam $424Busan (Pusan) $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDar es Salaam $848Busan (Pusan) $80
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dar es Salaam $13Busan (Pusan) $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam
Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zanzibar Airport Shared Taxi Transfer to Any Hotel: $35
- Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $50
- Dar Es Salaam Transfer from Airport Hotel Ferry or Train: $55
- Half-Day City Tour with Transfers: $59
- Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
- Private Airport Transfers in Dar: $60
- Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $119
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with two way transfers: $249
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $63
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
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
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Food Meals for one dayDar es Salaam $31Busan (Pusan) $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam
For Dar es Salaam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dar es Salaam Old Town Walking and Food Tour With Transfers: $70
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.60
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Carp Bread$0.74
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $110
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
- Private Busan Culture and Food Tour with a Local Guide: $150
Entertainment
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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.
- Dar es Salaam Masaki Walking Tuk-Tuk Fish Market & Sunset Tour: $24
- Dar es Salaam Swahili City Walking Tour: $25
- Dar es Salaam City Tour: Experience & Insights Tanzanian culture: $40
- Private Sinda Island Tour Snorkeling Swimming and Nature Walk: $65
- Dar es Salaam Full-Day City Tour and Tanzanian Food Experience: $90
- Zanzibar Spice Farm and Stone Town Tour: $90
- Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
- Dar es Salaam City Tour & 360 Degree Revolving Dining Experience: $99
- Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
- Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $104
- Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
- Bagamoyo Tour: $120
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan local Experience + private guide: $60
- 2026 Andong Hahoe Fire Art Festival Day Tour from Busan/Daegu: $70
- 2027 New Year Countdown & Pohang Homigot Sunrise Tour from Busan: $69
- A Comprehensive Small-Group Busan Tour with Hotel Pickup: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $35
- BTS Landmarks Private Car Tour in Busan with a Licensed Guide: $170
- Best of Busan Day Tour: Coast, Culture and Local Markets: $36
- Busan 9 Highlights Small Group City Tour: $30
- Busan Blueline Park Sky Capsule or Beach Train Ticket: $14
- Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $35
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDar es Salaam $7.49Busan (Pusan) $12
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 Social Pub Crawl(Seomyeon&Gwangalli Beach): $23
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDar 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDar 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDar 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDar 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) |
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.