Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Saaremaa?
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 Saaremaa or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa 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: Saaremaa or Busan (Pusan)?
Saaremaa
Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.
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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
-
Saaremaa Prices
Estonia PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaaremaa €128Busan (Pusan) €82
The average daily cost (per person) in Saaremaa is €128, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is €82. 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 Saaremaa and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaaremaa €36Busan (Pusan) €31
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaaremaa €72Busan (Pusan) €62
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa 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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saaremaa €47Busan (Pusan) €16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:
-
Rental Car and Gas for a Day€34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $135
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $123
- Private Transfer From Busan to Incheon or Seoul or GyeongJu city: $100
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $65
- Private Transfer – Anywhere in Busan, including Airport & Station: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Saaremaa 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 daySaaremaa €63Busan (Pusan) €35
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:
-
Salmon€1.28
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's€3.51
-
Carp Bread€0.57
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 Bites Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Vegan Friendly Korean Food Cooking Class: $100
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $104
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $106
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saaremaa €21Busan (Pusan) €15
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan local Experience + private guide: $55
- (Guaranteed Return) Busan Shore Excursion for Cruise Guests: $67
- (On-Time Return) Busan Cruise Shore Excursion for Small Group: $89
- (Return Assurance) Busan Small Group Cruise Shore Excursion: $87
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $31
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $17
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
- Busan Cruise Shore Excursion: City Highlights and Food Taste Tour: $73
- Busan Day Tour with Pickup at the KTX Station-Family Couple Alone: $76
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySaaremaa €11Busan (Pusan) €9.12
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 with Traditional Korean Pub Experience: $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saaremaa is in Europe and Busan (Pusan) is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Saaremaa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Busan (Pusan)?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Saaremaa or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySaaremaa 17°C (62°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Saaremaa or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Busan (Pusan). The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.
Saaremaa is much colder than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaaremaa 8°C (47°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Saaremaa or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Busan (Pusan). Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the cuisine.
Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In the winter, Saaremaa is much colder than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Saaremaa usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaaremaa -3°C (27°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Saaremaa or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan) during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaaremaa 4°C (38°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Saaremaa
| Saaremaa | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (26°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (38°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.