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

Should you visit Eilat or Busan (Pusan)?

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

Should I visit Eilat 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: Eilat or Busan (Pusan)?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, 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 Eilat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, 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 Eilat and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Busan (Pusan) $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Busan (Pusan)

Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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 Eilat


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70
  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $79
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $71
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Busan (Pusan)?

Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Eilat 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
    Eilat $35
    Busan (Pusan) $26

Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.48
  • 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
  • Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $90
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
  • Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $99
  • Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $99
  • Busan big Barbecue dinner at the garden : $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $16
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
  • Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
  • Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Red Canyon: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
  • Busan Essential Private Tour with Heaedong Yonggungsa and Gamcheon Village: $240
  • Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
  • Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.: $99
  • Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour: $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 Private Tour: $216
  • Busan Private Tour : Tailored Experiences for your Group Only: $80
  • Busan Private Tour with licensed tour guide + private vehicle: $80
  • Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Busan (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 Pub Crawl: $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat or Busan (Pusan)?

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

Should I visit Eilat or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?

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

Eilat can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 33°C (91°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In the summer, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Eilat usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?

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

Eilat is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Eilat usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?

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

The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In the winter, Eilat is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Eilat in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the winter, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.

Eilat usually gets less rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round.

In April, Eilat is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 24°C (75°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Eilat usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Eilat

Eilat Busan (Pusan)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)