Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Kao-hsiung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kao-hsiung 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.
Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.
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 Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $102, 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 Kao-hsiung and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Kao-hsiung 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kao-hsiung and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Kao-hsiung is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Kao-hsiung would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kao-hsiung 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 Kao-hsiung Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kao-hsiung. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung 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.