Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Haifa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Haifa or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Haifa and Busan (Pusan). We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Haifa or Busan (Pusan)?
Haifa
Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in Israel, 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 dayHaifa $123Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Haifa is $123, 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 Haifa and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHaifa $74Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHaifa $148Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Haifa and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Haifa 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: Haifa Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Haifa $4.93Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa
Also for Haifa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $173
- Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv City: $173
- Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195
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 Haifa or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Haifa 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 dayHaifa $44Busan (Pusan) $26
Typical Food Prices in Haifa
For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$27
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.48
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Haifa $5.68Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Haifa
For Haifa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
- Haifa Private Tour: $160
- Haifa, Acre & Rosh Anikra Grottos Haifa Port FullDay Shared Tour: $231
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port. Private Tour: $248
- Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255
- Romantic Walking Tour In Haifa for Couples: $290
- Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
- Christianity Day Tour: Haifa Port to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee : $295
- Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $388
- Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $405
- Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $700
- Wine private tour of Central Israel: $949
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHaifa $13Busan (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 Haifa and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Haifa is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Haifa 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 Haifa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Haifa 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 Haifa Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Haifa or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Haifa. When comparing the sizes of Haifa 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 Haifa or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Haifa experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Haifa or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Haifa as well as Busan (Pusan). Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Haifa is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Haifa in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Haifa this time of the year. In the summer, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Haifa gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Haifa usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 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 JulyHaifa 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Haifa or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Haifa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year.
In October, Haifa is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 24°C (75°F), 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 Haifa. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Haifa gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Haifa usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 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 OctoberHaifa 24°C (75°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Haifa or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Haifa during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. Haifa is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Haifa often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Haifa gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Haifa. Haifa usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Haifa gets 100 mm (3.9 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 JanuaryHaifa 14°C (57°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Haifa or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Haifa and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round.
In the spring, Haifa is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Haifa in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In Haifa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Haifa gets 269 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, Haifa usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Haifa gets 30 mm (1.2 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 AprilHaifa 19°C (66°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Haifa
| Haifa | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 110 mm (4.3 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.