Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week 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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $90Busan (Pusan) $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $90, 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 Guangzhou and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $58Busan (Pusan) $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $116Busan (Pusan) $82
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou 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.Guangzhou $14Busan (Pusan) $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou City to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
- Private Guangzhou City Center Transfer to Baiyun International Airport : $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou City Area: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Canton Fair Pazhou Complex: $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou South Railway Station : $53
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 hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $123
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $123
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $81
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Guangzhou 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 dayGuangzhou $20Busan (Pusan) $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Private Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Cruise: $110
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $119
- World 8th Tallest Building (one of Best View point & dinner): $120
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $153
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $153
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private City Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $220
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
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.Guangzhou $18Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Private Tour for Canton Culture and Food with Airport Pick Up : $60
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $78
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Foodie Tour with a Guide: $88
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
- Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $22
- The Way of Tea - Experience: $40
- Eden Valley Winter Ski Resort Day Tour from Busan+SPA LAND option: $41
- Jinhae Pink Cherry Blossom One Day Tour From Busan: $42
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Jinhae Cherry blossom Festival tour: $49
- Autumn Naejangsan National Park Day Tour from Busan: $49
- Busan: Jagalchi Market & Gamcheon Village Walking Tour With Guide: $51
- Full-Day Busan City Tour: $52
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $55
- Jinhae Gunhangje Night Tour : $62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $15Busan (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 comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Guangzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Busan (Pusan).
In the summer, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Busan (Pusan).
In October, Guangzhou is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. Guangzhou is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Guangzhou is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.