Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Hanoi?
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 Hanoi or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Busan (Pusan) can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hanoi or Busan (Pusan)?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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 Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Hanoi Prices
Vietnam PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $58Busan (Pusan) $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $58, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $109. 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 Hanoi and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Busan (Pusan) $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Busan (Pusan) $82
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.68Busan (Pusan) $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.16
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.10
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.39
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Short Taxi Ride$1.32
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Private Transfer from Noi Bai Airport to your Hotel: $7.40
- Private Transfer: Hanoi Airport - Sapa - Halong - Ninh Binh: $7.90
- HAN Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $9.62
- Hanoi Airport Departure Shared Transfer: $10
- Hanoi Hotels to Noi Bai Airport (Private Transfers): $11
- Noi Bai Airport transfer to Hanoi Hotel & Vice versa: $12
- Private car transfer from Hanoi Airport to Hotels: $12
- Private Transfer from Hanoi Port to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN): $13
- One Way Transfer From hotel to airport or vice versal: $13
- Hanoi Airport Transfer: $13
- HaNoi City to Noi Bai Airport transfer by private car: $13
- Private Transfer Between Hanoi Airport (han) And Hanoi City Center: $13
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: $59
- Busan Airport and KTX Station Transfer Service: $79
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $125
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $23Busan (Pusan) $46
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$11
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.26
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Bowl of Pho$0.77
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Private Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Tour with Student Guide: $1.90
- Private Hanoi Cycling Sightseeing & Street Food Tour By Bike: $1.90
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR: $5.13
- Hanoi Cooking Class: Pho/Bun Cha/Banh Xeo...+Free Egg/Salt Coffee: $19
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with egg coffee making: $20
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $20
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit: $21
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: Hidden Local Eats & Full Meal Experience: $21
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: Old Quarter Food & Local Experiences: $23
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.67
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Carp Bread$0.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Korean Home Cooking Class and Local Market Tour: $79
- Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $110
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $120
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.24Busan (Pusan) $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.55
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.55
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National History Museum$1.55
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.71
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hanoi Old Quarter Customized City Sightseeing Private Tour: $1.90
- Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Adventure with Easy Rider, Round-Trip Bus: $1.90
- Sapa Cat Cat Village, Y Linh Ho Tour By Motorbike Or Walking: $1.90
- Sapa Herbal Incense Handicrafts Making Workshop Tour From Sapa: $1.90
- Hanoi City Private Tour With Street Food Experience & Aquarium: $1.90
- Hanoi Quang Phu Cau Incense Village Tour With Coffee Train Street: $1.90
- 2-Day Mai Chau & Pu Luong Tour with Trekking & Bamboo Rafting: $1.90
- 2-Day Ninh Binh Adventure: Trang An, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Cave: $1.90
- Hanoi Highlights: History, Heritage & Egg Coffee Experience Tour: $1.90
- Ninh Binh Tràng An Boat Trip, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Cave Tour: $1.90
- Hanoi City Sightseeing Tour: Train Street, Incense Village: $1.90
- Hanoi City Cycling Tour: West Lake, Old Quarter & Cultural Sights: $1.90
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Tower Admission Ticket: $9.49
- Busan Tower Ticket: $10
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $12
- Busan Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid: $15
- Busan Haeundae X the Sky Admission Ticket: $19
- Busan Sky Tower Admission Ticket: $20
- Busan SEA LIFE Aquarium Admission Ticket: $20
- Busan Vaunce Trampoline Yongho W Center Discount Ticket(내국인불가): $21
- Busan Yacht Tour – Gwangan Bridge & Marine City Cruise: $23
- Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $25
- Vaunce Universe Busan Ticket: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.46Busan (Pusan) $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Night Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Free Shots: $45
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Hanoi or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
Hanoi is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the summer. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Busan (Pusan). Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Hanoi is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hanoi in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 18°C (65°F).
Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In January, Hanoi is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 17°C (63°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 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 JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Hanoi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Hanoi is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the spring. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 24°C (75°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 Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.