Which place is cheaper, Pittsburgh or Seoul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Seoul or Pittsburgh?
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 Seoul and Pittsburgh can help you decide which place is right for you.
Seoul
Seoul is a bustling, modern, and high energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a authentic, under-rated, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.
Seoul and Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons
Seoul
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Pittsburgh
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Seoul or Pittsburgh?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Pittsburgh, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Pittsburgh is popular for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".
How is Seoul different from Pittsburgh?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pittsburgh and Seoul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Seoul or Pittsburgh?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Seoul and Pittsburgh.
Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pittsburgh can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.
Is the Food Better in Seoul or Pittsburgh? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Seoul is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Seoul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).
Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.
Is Seoul or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Both Seoul and Pittsburgh are excellent when it comes to partying.
Seoul offers plenty to do in the evening. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Pittsburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.
Is Seoul or Pittsburgh Better for Music?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Seoul is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Pittsburgh is not a live music destination.
Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.
Pittsburgh is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Pittsburgh?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Seoul is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many people travel to Seoul specifically to go shopping. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.
Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.
Is Seoul or Pittsburgh Better for Families?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Seoul is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Seoul. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.
Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.
Is Seoul or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Seoul is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for romance.
Seoul is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.
Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.
Is Seoul or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Seoul is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.
It's common for backpackers to visit Seoul. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.
Is Seoul or Pittsburgh Better for Students?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Seoul is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Pittsburgh is not popular with students.
Seoul is a great city to visit as a student. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.
Pittsburgh is not popular with students.
Is Seoul or Pittsburgh Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Seoul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.
Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.
Is Seoul or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?
Seoul
Pittsburgh
Seoul is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Seoul is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.
Pittsburgh is somewhat walkable. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Seoul Worth Visiting? and Is Pittsburgh Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Seoul?
How long in Seoul or Pittsburgh?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Seoul and Pittsburgh. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Seoul than in Pittsburgh. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Pittsburgh.
Families should spend more time in Seoul than Pittsburgh. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Seoul, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Seoul than Pittsburgh. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Seoul that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul than Pittsburgh if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Seoul.
-
How many days in Seoul or Pittsburgh? Ideal Length of StaySeoul 3-7Pittsburgh 2-3
One day in Seoul or Pittsburgh?
When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
In Pittsburgh, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this industrial destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Seoul or Pittsburgh?
When visiting Seoul, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pittsburgh. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Seoul or Pittsburgh?
Seoul, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Pittsburgh is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pittsburgh. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Seoul or Pittsburgh?
Seoul is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Pittsburgh. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $109Pittsburgh $181
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $109, while the average daily cost in Pittsburgh is $181. 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 Seoul and Pittsburgh in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $55Pittsburgh $106
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $110Pittsburgh $212
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Pittsburgh
Looking for a hotel in Seoul or Pittsburgh? 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: Seoul Hotel Prices and Pittsburgh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $16Pittsburgh $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
-
Subway Card$3.69
-
Short Taxi Ride$5.16
-
Metro Ride$0.99
-
Seoul City Pass Plus$7.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport 1-12 pax: $204
- Lotte World Ticket with Private Transfer: $181
- Private Transfer from Incheon Airport to Seoul up to 12 pax: $181
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport (1-12pax): $170
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Gimpo Airport (1-12 pax): $167
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
- Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $138
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $101
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $100
- Private Transfer l Airport to/from Seoul: $100
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon airport to/from Seoul(~7 pax): $99
- Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-5 pax): $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pittsburgh
Also for Pittsburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Pittsburgh City to Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
- Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh hotel/address - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) to Pittsburgh City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Pittsburgh?
Prices for flights to both Pittsburgh and Seoul 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 daySeoul $30Pittsburgh $54
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
-
Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.42
-
Waffle$0.74
-
Dippin' Dots$1.47
-
Chicken Fried Rice$4.05
-
Chicken Stick$1.47
-
Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.40
-
Lunch Buffet$4.42
-
Donut$0.74
-
Mushroom Burger$3.83
-
Green Tea Ice Cream$2.43
-
Udon & Sushi$5.16
-
Fresh Burger$3.54
-
Soba Noodles Lunch$3.32
-
Bibimbap Lunch$3.69
-
Fried Rice$4.05
-
Vietnamese Dinner$7.00
-
Breakfast and Coffee for 2$7.00
-
Donut$1.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Korean Cooking @ Seoul Cooking Club!: $0.11
- Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $37
- Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $47
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $48
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $58
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $58
- Half Day Seoul Afternoon Food Tour and visit 3 landMarks of Seoul: $67
- Night Market Food Tour: $70
- Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pittsburgh
For Pittsburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70
- Pittsburgh's Strip District Food Tour: $70
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $27Pittsburgh $38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets$5.90
-
Movie Ticket$5.90
-
Kimchi Museum$2.21
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Full Day Tour Jeonju Hanok Village, Wansan Park and Gakwonsa: $72
- Private Tour Nami Island with Petite France 'and/or' The Garden of Morning Calm: $98
- ‘Itaewon Class’ Night Tour: $24
- 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
- 2-Hour Makgeolli Tasting Experience in Seoul: $37
- 2-Hour Private Kayaking and Paddleboarding Experience in Hanriver: $30
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3 Hour Walking Tour in Songpa Seoul: $48
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $33
- 63 Aqua Planet and 63 Building Seoul Observatory Tickets: $14
- ARMY must visit BTS tour in Seoul: $55
- Activity - Mt. Bukhan Hiking Guided Tour: $150
Tours and Activities in Pittsburgh
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pittsburgh.
- Eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.22
- Pittsburgh to Logstown Settler's History: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $6.32
- Entrance Ticket to AT BLAQK House Collections: $7.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Pittsburgh by Crazy Dash: $10
- Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Pittsburgh: $25
- Smartphone-Guided Tour of Downtown Pittsburgh Sights & Stories: $28
- Public Art Walking Tour: $30
- Pittsburg 101 Tour: $30
- Pittsburgh 101 Walking History Tour: $32
- Black & Ghost Tour: $33
- Downtown History and Architecture Tour: $33
- Best of the Burgh Walking Tour of Pittsburgh: $33
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $12Pittsburgh $33
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $11
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $43
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $81
Sample the Local Flavors in Pittsburgh
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pittsburgh:
- Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl: $13
- Wigle Whiskey Rebellion Distillery Tour: $22
- New! Bites & Brews: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk: $50
- Bike and Brewery Tour: $69
- Pittsburgh Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Pittsburgh, we can see that Pittsburgh is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Pittsburgh is in North America, 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 Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Pittsburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pittsburgh than you might in Seoul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Pittsburgh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Pittsburgh?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Seoul and Pittsburgh, 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.