Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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: Hangzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing 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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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $104. 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 Hangzhou and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.Hangzhou $8.24Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer from Hangzhou Train Station to Hangzhou Downtown Hotel: $39
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Xixi Wetland Resorts and Hotels: $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Hangzhou 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 dayHangzhou $31Busan (Pusan) $44
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.38
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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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: $53
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
- Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan Yacht Tour with Music: $26
- Japanese Occupation and Korean War Historical Tour in Busan: $29
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Eden Valley Ski and Snowboard Tour from Busan : $41
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Day trip from Busan - A Spring Adventure!: $47
- Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour from Busan with Seoul Drop-off: $47
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan Full-Day City Tour with Gamcheon Village, Sea Temple & more: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Busan (Pusan) $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) than you might in Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Busan (Pusan).
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 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 JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Busan (Pusan).
In the autumn, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 18°C (65°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 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 OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. In January, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 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 JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Hangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 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 AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.