Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Pokhara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pokhara 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 Pokhara and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pokhara or Busan (Pusan)?
Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, 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 dayPokhara $19Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Pokhara is $19, 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 Pokhara and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPokhara $3.92Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPokhara $7.84Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Pokhara and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Pokhara 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: Pokhara Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pokhara $7.65Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
- From Kathmandu: Luxury Sofa Seater Bus Transfer to Pokhara: $23
- Pokhara Airport To Lakeside Transfer Service: $27
- Ayurvedic Spa Retreat with Transfers: $48
- World Peace Pagoda Guided Tour with Transfers: $51
- Whitewater River Rafting Tour with Hotel Transfers: $69
- Comfortable One-Way Car Transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini: $78
- Private Transfer to Kathmandu by Car, Jeep & Hiace: $78
- Private Transfer to Kathmandu by Car: $78
- One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $78
- From Bungee Jumping with Hotel Transfers: $94
- Private Transfer:- Pokhara to Chitwan (Sauraha) by car: $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $71
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Pokhara or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Pokhara 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 dayPokhara $8.11Busan (Pusan) $26
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
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Dinner for Two$4.51
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Dessert (for 2)$3.01
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Pastries$1.50
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Dinner$6.39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
- Nepalese Momos/ Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
- Nepali Cooking Class Experience and Momo Making: $28
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $39
- Nepalese Kitchen in Pokhara Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $40
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $41
- 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
- From Pokhara:3 Hour authentic fish curry cooking class: $51
- Typical Nepali Snack set cooking class in Pokhara: $74
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
- Tour with Dinner to Trout Fish Farm - Bhujung River : $98
- Organic Farm Tour and Cooking Class at Durku: $115
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
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $90
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $99
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $99
- Busan big Barbecue dinner at the garden : $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pokhara $7.28Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tourist Bus Ticket (From Kathmandu Sofa Bus ): $0.12
- Full Day Pokhara City Sightseeing by Sharing Bus Group Tour: $6.71
- Guided Evening Walking Tour in Lakeside: $8.12
- Sightseeing tour (Unguided) in Sharing Bus: $9.26
- Visit Best Seven Tourist Destination by Sharing Bus: $10
- Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Tour : 3-Hour From Pokhara: $10
- Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $11
- Pokhara/Baidam: Himalayas Sunrise Views from Sarangkot Tour: $12
- Sarangkot Sunrise Spectacle: Unforgettable Tour from Pokhara: $12
- Budget Unguided Tour By Sharing Bus: $12
- City Tour in Sharing Bus : $12
- Pokhara to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Ticket : $13
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00
- Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $13
- The Way of Tea - Experience: $38
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $41
- Full-Day Busan City Tour: $51
- Jinhae Gunhangje Night Tour : $60
- Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
- Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
- From Busan: Chasing Cherry Blossom & Spring Flowers Day Tour: $65
- Gyeongju Maple Tour from Busan : $66
- Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPokhara $6.57Busan (Pusan) $12
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 Pokhara and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara 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 Pokhara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pokhara Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pokhara or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Pokhara 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.
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.