Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Kota Kinabalu?
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 Kota Kinabalu or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu 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: Kota Kinabalu or Busan (Pusan)?
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, originally Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah, which is on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is located just between the western side of the island and Tambunan Rafflesia Forest Reserve. Most of Kota Kinabalu's historic buildings were destroyed by bombing during World War II, so the city had to be rebuilt. KK, as it's commonly called, is a compact, but booming town today, with its new shopping centers, seaside condominiums, and bustling marketplaces.
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 Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, 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 Kota Kinabalu and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu 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: Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Kota Kinabalu 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 dayKota Kinabalu $30Busan (Pusan) $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $45
- Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Taste Of Borneo Cooking Class: $95
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $138
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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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: $53
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
- Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Bongawan Proboscis and Fireflies Cruise Tour: $32
- Sail and Catch Boat fishing Tour of the Coast of Kota Kinabalu: $41
- Night Glow Stand Up Paddle Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $44
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Mangrove Kayaking Experience in Borneo: $47
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $54
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Pulau Sapi & Manukan Sabah Shared Activity Adventure: $57
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 CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan Yacht Tour with Music: $26
- Japanese Occupation and Korean War Historical Tour in Busan: $29
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Eden Valley Ski and Snowboard Tour from Busan : $41
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Day trip from Busan - A Spring Adventure!: $47
- Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour from Busan with Seoul Drop-off: $47
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan Full-Day City Tour with Gamcheon Village, Sea Temple & more: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Busan (Pusan) $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kota Kinabalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kota Kinabalu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Busan (Pusan). Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 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 JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Kota Kinabalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 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 OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 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 JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Busan (Pusan). Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 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 AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 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.