Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Krabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Krabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Krabi
Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.
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 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
-
Krabi Prices
Thailand PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $74Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $74, 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 Krabi and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $42Busan (Pusan) $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $84Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Krabi 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: Krabi Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $4.37Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
-
Scooter Rental$9.42
-
Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.14
-
2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.51
-
Longboat Taxi from Town$6.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Krabi International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer To Ao Nang : $12
- Krabi International Airport Departure Shared Transfer from Aonang: $12
- Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
- Krabi to Koh Lanta Transfer by Shared Air Conditioned Van: $13
- Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $14
- Ferry Transfer To or From Phi Phi Don Island: $14
- Shared Van Transfer from Krabi to Koh Lanta with Hotel Drop Off: $15
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Krabi HTL-APT (KBV): $15
- One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $16
- Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
- Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
- Private Departure Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Krabi 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKrabi $25Busan (Pusan) $44
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$7.85
-
Drinks on the Beach$7.54
-
Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
-
Nice Dinner (for Two)$35
-
Mango Shake$1.57
-
Pad Thai$3.14
-
Fruit from the Market$1.88
-
Pancakes$3.14
-
Coffee & Cake$2.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $37
- Hands on Half-day Cooking Class by Authentic Thai Cooking: $39
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $39
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $40
- Penny Thai Cooking Class Krabi: $45
- Krabi Kitchens Food Tour with 15 Plus Tastings: $45
- Krabi Bites Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $45
- Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $46
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $46
- Kayaking and BBQ Dinner On The Beach Ao Thalane From Krabi: $48
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's$4.43
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $12Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Thai-English Book$10
-
Thai Massages (for Two)$25
-
Bikini & Sarong$19
-
Yoga Class (1 Hour)$14
-
Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.85
-
Kayak Trip (for Two)$60
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.17
- Railay Phra Nang and Diamond Cave Sunset tour: $21
- Krabi 4 Islands Snorkeling and Thale Waek Full Day Tour : $21
- ATV Adventure in Krabi Thailand: $22
- Krabi ATV adventure tour 1 Hour : $23
- Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $24
- Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi : $24
- Ao Thalane Kayaking Mangrove Forests Adventure from Krabi : $24
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $25
- Krabi 4 Islands Shared Tour with Lunch and Guide: $25
- ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
- Railay Beach and Caves Tour from Ao Nang - Half Day: $28
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
- 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $5.00Busan (Pusan) $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
-
Beer$2.83
-
Cocktails (for Two)$9.42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Krabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krabi 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 Krabi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi 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 Krabi or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Krabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Krabi or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Busan (Pusan). Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Krabi is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the summer, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrabi 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.
In October, Krabi is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). Krabi usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Krabi is December to March. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrabi 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Krabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. Krabi is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Krabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Busan (Pusan). Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrabi 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round.
In the spring, Krabi is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrabi 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Krabi
| Krabi | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.