Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Helsinki?
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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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: Helsinki or Busan (Pusan)?
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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 Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Helsinki Prices
Finland PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €164Busan (Pusan) €96
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is €96. 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 Helsinki and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Busan (Pusan) €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Busan (Pusan) €72
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Busan (Pusan) €19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki (HEL) Airport to City centre: $61
- Helsinki Private Transfer from Helsinki city centre to Helsinki airport: $61
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Port to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $66
- Helsinki to Helsinki Airport (HEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Terminal to Helsinki hotels: $66
- Helsinki West Terminal to Helsinki Airport (HEL) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Helsinki Hotels to West Harbour Cruise Terminal - Deparure Private Transfer: $66
- Helsinki West Harbour Terminal to Helsinki hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Private VIP Transfer from or to Helsinki Airport: $76
- Minivan Departure Transfer Helsinki City to Helsinki Airport HEL: $81
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki by Business Car: $91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private VIP Airport or Hotel Transfers in Busan: $300
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $63
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Helsinki or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €59Busan (Pusan) €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $117
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $193
- Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $262
- Sauna and Dinner with Locals in a Lake-Side Home near Helsinki: $280
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's€4.12
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Carp Bread€0.67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- 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.Helsinki €27Busan (Pusan) €18
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Podcast Tour Helsinki Echoes of Sisu The Finnish Soul: $5.48
- Helsinki Self Guided Tour of Tsars and Trolls: $7.99
- Helsinki Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $10
- Helsinki’s Island Fortress: An Audio Tour of Suomenlinna: $12
- A Finntastic Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $23
- Helsinki's Original Walking Tour Since 2016: $23
- Discover Helsinki City Walk - Multiple Tours Daily: $23
- A Finntastic Walking Tour of Underground Helsinki: $27
- Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $32
- Helsinki City Highlights Cruise: $33
- TAITO: The Helsinki Design, Industry & Architecture Walking Tour: $34
- Evening Cruise: $34
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan local Experience + private guide: $62
- 2027 New Year Countdown & Pohang Homigot Sunrise Tour from Busan: $69
- A Comprehensive Small-Group Busan Tour with Hotel Pickup: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $36
- BTS Landmarks Private Car Tour in Busan with a Licensed Guide: $170
- Best of Busan Day Tour: Coast, Culture and Local Markets: $36
- Busan 9 Highlights Small Group City Tour: $30
- Busan Blueline Park Sky Capsule or Beach Train Ticket: $14
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
- Busan Cruise Shore Excursion with Guaranteed On-Time Return: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Busan (Pusan) €11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Helsinki and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Helsinki is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Helsinki is in Europe 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Busan (Pusan)?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Helsinki or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Busan (Pusan). Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Helsinki is much colder than Busan (Pusan) in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Helsinki this time of the year. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 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 JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 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 OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Helsinki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Busan (Pusan). Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. Helsinki is much colder than Busan (Pusan) in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan) during spring. Helsinki gets 183 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, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 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 AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.