Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Ho Chi Minh City?
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 Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Ho Chi Minh City or Busan (Pusan)?
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.
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 Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day 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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Ho Chi Minh City Prices
Vietnam PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $89Busan (Pusan) $109
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $89, 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $49Busan (Pusan) $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $98Busan (Pusan) $82
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City 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: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Busan (Pusan) $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.35
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Taxi From Airport$7.74
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ho Chi Minh: SGN Airport Private Transfer to/from Downtown: $5.00
- Mui Ne Beach: Bus transfer from/to Saigon City: $8.00
- Ho Chi Minh: SGN Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $8.85
- Nha Trang: Bus transfer from/to Saigon City: $11
- Private transfer Tan Son Nhat airport - Hotels in Ho Chi Minh: $12
- Ho Chi Minh City airport transfer: $13
- Ho Chi Minh Airport Arrival Or Departure By Private Car Transfers: $13
- Grand Park Water Park & Rides Ticket with Optional Transfer: $14
- Private Car Transfer: Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang City: $14
- Ho Chi Minh Airport: Private Transfer: $14
- Can Tho: Bus transfer directly to/from Saigon City: $14
- Ho Chi Minh Airport Transfer Service: $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $125
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Busan Airport and KTX Station Transfer Service: $79
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
- 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 Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $63
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $63
- Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Ho Chi Minh City 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 dayHo Chi Minh City $23Busan (Pusan) $46
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.14
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Pizza$5.03
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Sweet Rice$1.16
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Pork Sandwich$0.58
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.57
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Western Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Budget Street Food Tour – Pay-As-You-Go: $3.22
- Ho Chi Minh City Authentic Street Food Tour With Local Students: $7.95
- Ho Chi Minh City Local Street Food Tour With Local Students: $7.95
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour & Hidden Local Gems Sightseeing: $9.93
- Mekong With Cai Be Less Tourist - Cooking Class: $14
- Express Cooking Experience: $15
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour with Local LGBT Student Guide: $16
- Mekong Delta 4 Islands, TukTuk, Boat, Try Khot Cake Local Cooking: $16
- Vietnamese Spring Roll Cooking Class: $16
- HCMC: Saigon Food Tour & Chinatown & Local Market on Scooter: $17
- Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Ride with Lunch or Dinner Experience: $18
- Ho Chi Minh City Michelin & Street Food Tour by Motorbike or Car: $18
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 Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Kimchi Kitchens Busan 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: $119
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $20Busan (Pusan) $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Massage$5.42
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- Hidden Bunker & Vietnam War - Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: $0.62
- Chinatown Hidden Treasures – Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: $0.62
- Highlights & Hidden Gems - Free Walking Tour: $0.62
- Ghosts & Legends of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City Night Walking Tour: $0.62
- Ho Chi Minh City private walking tours with young local volunteers: $1.83
- Hidden Jungle War Experience – The Untold Side of Saigon: $1.83
- Budget-Friendly Guided Walking Tour: $1.91
- Private Long Tan Battlefield, Nui Dat Base and Vung Tau Day Tour: $1.91
- Tan Lap Floating Village Authentic Mekong Delta Nature Tour: $1.91
- Ho Chi Minh City Flexible Private Tour with Spa, City Highlights: $1.91
- Ho Chi Minh Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.57
- Langbiang Nature Park Experience with Tickets: $4.80
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: $61
- 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: $30
- Best of Busan Day Tour: Coast, Culture and Local Markets: $36
- Busan 9 Highlights Small Group City Tour: $30
- 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: $56
- Busan Cruise Shore Excursion: Private City Tour with Local Guide: $268
- Busan Daily Private Tour with Hotel Pickup: $150
- Busan Food Market Tour Seafoods and Street Foods: $62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.73Busan (Pusan) $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Beer$0.39
Sample the Local Flavors in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Rooftops, Hidden Bars & Iconic Pub Crawl: $8.06
- Make Your Own Gin Experience and Saigon Baigur Distillery Tour: $36
- Make-Your-Own Gin Experience & Saigon Baigur Distillery Tour: $36
- Saigon After Dark: Pub Crawl & Party Adventure: $69
- Bike And Craft Beer Brewery Mekong Delta Cycling Tour: $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ho Chi Minh City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Ho Chi Minh City. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City 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.
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.