Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Busan (Pusan), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Phuket or Busan (Pusan)?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $133Busan (Pusan) $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $133, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $96. 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 Phuket and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $61Busan (Pusan) $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $122Busan (Pusan) $72
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Busan (Pusan) $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.01
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Arrival Transfer to Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Departure Transfer from Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Phuket Airport Private Transfer To or From All Phuket Hotels: $13
- One-Way to/from Phi Phi Premium Ferry Transfer: $13
- Phuket Airport Transfer (SHA Plus): $14
- Phuket Private Transfer from/to Phuket Airport HKT (one way): $15
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotel and Vice Versa: $15
- Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $16
- One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $16
- One Way Cruise Transfer from Phuket to Phi Phi – Multiple Classes: $17
- Phuket Airport Arrival Transfer – Domestic & International: $18
- Phuket Private Transfer To or From Phuket Hotel by Van & WiFi: $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport and KTX Station Transfer Service: $79
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $121
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $133
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $64
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $41Busan (Pusan) $41
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$8.68
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.11
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.70
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Bananas$0.75
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Pizza (for Two)$9.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $27
- Kanta Phuket Peranakan Cooking Class Experience: $31
- Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Phuket with Dinner at Promthep Cape: $41
- Phuket City Tour with Sunset and Thai Cooking: $47
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes: $52
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $55
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $56
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Discounted Ticket to Phuket Siam Niramit Show with Dinner: $57
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $58
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.13
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Carp Bread$0.67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan Traditional Market Food Tour: $48
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $50
- Busan Food Tour Jagalchi Market BIFF Square and Gukje Market: $58
- Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $60
- Busan Market Jokbal Dinner Beach Experience Tour: $75
- Busan Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Kimchi Kitchens Busan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $107
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $47Busan (Pusan) $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$27
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$75
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Thai Oil Massage$19
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Surfboard Rental$9.01
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Phuket Self Guided Island Tour: $8.15
- Phuket Tour with Wat Chalong, Karon View Point, Old Town: $15
- Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity: $15
- Phuket Circus : The Adrenaline Rush Show Tickets (Aqua Circus): $16
- Rock Beach Swing Ticket with Karon Viewpoint in Phuket: $18
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $18
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $18
- Phuket City Discovery Tour with Chalong Temple and Coastal Views: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $20
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $20
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $20
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
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan's Gwangalli Beach Yacht Tour Experience: $14
- Night View Experience in Busan in Small Group Tour: $25
- Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $32
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $32
- Korean Serenity Incense Tea and Meditation Experience: $35
- Busan Tour: Sky Capsule, Gamcheon, Haeundae Blueline Park & more: $38
- Gyeongju UNESCO World Heritage Guided Day Tour from Busan: $39
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- From Busan to Gyeongju UNESCO Authentic Tour: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.00Busan (Pusan) $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.01
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Beer$2.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Rooftop, Bars, GoGo & 3 Clubs with Shots: $21
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $29
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $52
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $85
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple: $172
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: $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan) in the summer. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Phuket gets 206 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. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 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 JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Busan (Pusan). Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Phuket is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Phuket in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Phuket is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Phuket usually receives around the same amount of rain as Busan (Pusan). Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Phuket is December to March.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Phuket during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Phuket is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the spring. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the spring, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Phuket gets 249 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Phuket
| Phuket | 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.