Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Izmir?
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 Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Busan (Pusan)?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $82Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $82, 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 Izmir and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $41Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $82Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $20Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $29
- Izmir Airport Private Transfer to City Center Hotels: $42
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
- Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Van Meet Transfer: $45
- Izmir (ADB) Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Kusadasi: $45
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
- Izmir Airport Transfer Meet Transfer: $50
- İzmir Airport Transfer to Bodrum, Didim, Kusadasi, Cesme, Fethiye: $51
- Izmir Airport Private Transfer With Professional Driver: $52
- Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir City Hotels: $53
- VIP Mercedes Vito Transfers in Izmir or Intercity: $56
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Kusadasi: $57
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: $62
- Busan Airport and KTX Station Transfer Service: $79
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
- Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $65
- Private VIP Airport or Hotel Transfers in Busan: $300
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $28Busan (Pusan) $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $115
- Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $295
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.46
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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).
- Autumn Special: 2 Activities + Dinner Only 4 Exclusive Dates: $50
- Kimchi Kitchens Busan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Vegan Friendly Korean Food Cooking Class: $100
- Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $14Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Izmir Private Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Highlights: $24
- PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines: $29
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
- Marmaris All Inc Full Day Boat Tour Swim Sunbathe and Explore: $33
- Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
- Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $45
- Marmaris Turtle Beach Dalyan River Cruise and Mud Bath Adventure: $47
- Pamukkale Small Group Tour from Antalya: $56
- Aqua Fantasy Waterpark Skip the Line Tickets: $57
- From Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, & Sirince Tour: $60
- Dalyan Boat Tour with Mud Bath & Iztuzu Beach from Sarigerme: $64
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 Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $12
- Busan Blueline Park Sky Capsule or Beach Train Ticket: $14
- Busan Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid: $15
- Busan Sky Tower Admission Ticket: $20
- Busan Yacht Tour – Gwangan Bridge & Marine City Cruise: $22
- Busan Tour: Haeundae Blueline Park, Yonggungsa, Gamcheon & more: $25
- Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $25
- Vaunce Universe Busan Ticket: $26
- Busan Skyline Luge E Ticket: $28
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $5.97Busan (Pusan) $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $279
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 Social Pub Crawl(Seomyeon&Gwangalli Beach): $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir 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 Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Busan (Pusan). Many visitors come to Izmir in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 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 JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Busan (Pusan). Most visitors come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions during these months.
In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 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 OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Izmir because of the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. Izmir is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 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 JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.
In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 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 AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Izmir
| Izmir | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.