Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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: Islamabad or Busan (Pusan)?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayIslamabad $42Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
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: $120
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Busan (Pusan) $26
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
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Full Day Private Guided Tour in Hidden Spot, Daegu: $180
- 2-Day Busan East and South Private Tour: $300
- 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
- Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour: $77
- Beomeosa Temple and Hongbeopsa Temple Tour and local market tour: $81
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Custom-made Car Tour （Private Tour）: $187
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Busan (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 Islamabad and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 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 JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Busan (Pusan).
In October, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 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 OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Busan (Pusan).
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). Islamabad is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Busan (Pusan). Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 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 JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 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 AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°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.