Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Busan (Pusan)?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 dayDubai $248Busan (Pusan) $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $89. 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 Dubai and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Busan (Pusan) $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Busan (Pusan) $82
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Busan (Pusan) $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Global Village Dubai Ticket with Optional transfer: $10
- Private Dubai Airport Arrival/Departure Transfer to Dubai City: $13
- Private Transfer Arrival Dubai International Airport (DXB): $17
- Sharing Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa, VR Parks, DAUZ): $18
- Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Aquaventure/Lost Chamber: $18
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket With Optional Transfer: $19
- Dubai Airport Private Departure and Arrival Airport Transfer: $19
- Dubai Airport Transfer to/from all Terminals: $19
- Dubai Frame Admission Ticket with Transfer Option: $20
- Dubai Airport Transfer to Dubai Hotels: $20
- Dubai Frame Ticket with Optional Private Transfer: $20
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Dubai Airport (DXB): $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $123
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $123
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $123
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $123
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $81
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Busan (Pusan) $26
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DINNER +PARTY + CITY of old city Dubai : $6.00
- Old Town, Creek, Museums, Souks, & Street Food Tour: $8.71
- Al-Seef Premium Dinner Cruise: $13
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner and Live Entertainment at Dubai Al Seef: $15
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner at Dubai Al Seef: $15
- Dhow Boat Dinner Cruise in Dubai: $16
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $16
- Deira Creek: Dhow Cruise Dinner: $16
- Catamaran Cruise with Dinner at Al Jaddaf Waterfront Dubai: $17
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Dhow Cruise Tour with Dinner in Deira Creek - Dubai: $18
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.62
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Carp Bread$0.75
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: $50
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
- Vegan Friendly Korean Food Cooking Class: $70
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan big Barbecue dinner at the garden : $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
- Dubai Fountain Boardwalk Entry Ticket: $5.45
- Dubai Old Town Self-Guided Tour and Exploration Game: $5.86
- A Self-Guided Tour of Dubai’s Origins in Deira: $5.99
- Al Fahidi Guided Walking Tour with Street Food: $7.00
- Old Town, Souk, Street Food, Museums Tour & Abra Ride: $7.00
- Old Dubai & Souks Guided Tour with Tastings & Cruise: $7.90
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Dubai: $9.03
- OLD Walking tour with a local, Markets & street food: $9.39
- Old Guided Tour with Boat Ride, Souks and Museums: $9.80
- Walking Tour, Old Town, Abra, Souks & Street Food: $9.80
- Small group - Old Dubai walking tour, food and souks: $11
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- 1 Day Private Busan Guided Tour: $300
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Autumn Naejangsan National Park Day Tour from Busan: $49
- 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 Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Certified Guide: $89
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks: $110
- Busan ONE-DAY Highlights for PRIVATE CRUISE PASSENGER'S: $250
- Busan Pick up & Drop off (Anywhere) or Night View Tour: $65
- Busan Private Taxi Car Charter Tour: $239
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Busan (Pusan) $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $69
- Pub Crawl Private, Birthdays & Corporate Events: $110
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 Dubai and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Dubai or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.
Dubai is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 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 OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Busan (Pusan). Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.
In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Dubai
| Dubai | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.