Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan)?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, 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 dayKoh Samui $55Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $55, 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 Koh Samui and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $24Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $48Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $17Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.05
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Gas for Scooter$1.09
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Airport Taxi$12
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$11
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $11
- Samui International Airport (USM) Arrival Shared Transfer: $11
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng, Koh Samui APT-HTL (USM): $12
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Chaweng,Koh Samui HTL-APT (USM): $12
- Koh Samui Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer : $14
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Shared Transfer: $15
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui: $15
- Private Departure Transfer: From Hotel to Koh Samui Airport by Car: $20
- Koh Samui Airport (USM): Private Transfer within the Island: $23
- Half-Day Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $23
- Koh Samui Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $25
- Ko Samui Airport to Ko Samui - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
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 Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $19Busan (Pusan) $26
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Romantic 4-Course Dinner for Two on the Beach by the Amari Samui: $43
- Cooking Class with Herbal Garden by Amari Koh Samui: $51
- Thai Cooking Class at Melati Beach Resort & Spa: $59
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $61
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $67
- Thai Cooking Class & Organic Micro Farm Experience - Farm to Table. Since 2015: $69
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $71
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $72
- Koh Samui Jungle Kitchen - Half Day Cooking Class: $77
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui: $78
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour: $80
- Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise: $88
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.Koh Samui $10Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui Sightseeing Tour Around The Island : $23
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $23
- Elephant Sanctuary Entry and Feeding Experience: $24
- Angthong National Marine Park Tour by Large Boat: $26
- City Tour Around Koh Samui: $27
- Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option: $29
- Half Day Chiang Mai City Tour with Famous Temples and Viewpoint: $29
- Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour by Big Boat from Koh Samui: $30
- Original Discovery Tour: $30
- Private Customized Tour with Driver in Koh Samui: $33
- Angthong National Marine Park by Tour Boat including Lunch: $35
- Koh Samui Private Customized Tour with Driver: $36
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 dayKoh Samui $4.63Busan (Pusan) $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Samui
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Koh Samui:
- Private 4x4 Off-Road Island Safari + Rum Distillery Visit & Tasting: $295
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 Koh Samui and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samui experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Koh Samui during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Koh Samui is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samui. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 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 JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
Koh Samui is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. Also, October to December is the rainy season in Koh Samui.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Busan (Pusan). Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In the winter, Koh Samui is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samui in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Koh Samui usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
In April, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 24°C (76°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In April, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 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 AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.