Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Shanghai?
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 Shanghai or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Busan (Pusan). We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Shanghai or Busan (Pusan)?
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
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 Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Shanghai Prices
China PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $140Busan (Pusan) $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $140, 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 Shanghai and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $87Busan (Pusan) $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $174Busan (Pusan) $72
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $4.14Busan (Pusan) $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.84
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Two Subway Tickets$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Private Transfers to/from Shanghai Pudong Airport(PVG): $16
- Pudong PVG/Hongqiao SHA Private Transfer ⇄ City Center: $16
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Private Transfer to/from Shanghai Disneyland Park: $18
- Private Transfer: Hotel to Shanghai Stadium (Football Match, League of Legends): $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Shanghai Airport One Way Arrival and Departure Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area: $25
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Maglev Train Station to City Area: $25
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area: $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $65
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65
- Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
- Private Airport, Train Station & Hotel Transfer Service in Busan: $80
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Shanghai 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 dayShanghai $40Busan (Pusan) $41
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.48
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.69
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Cantelope$1.77
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Dumplings and Soup$2.22
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Duck Dinner$4.43
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Pastries$3.10
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Barbeque Dinner$9.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Authentic Local Food Tour In Downtown Shanghai-Tip Based: $3.53
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $28
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $74
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.10
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Carp Bread$0.66
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: $47
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $48
- Kimchi Kitchens Busan Food Tour with 10+ Tastings: $88
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $100
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $9.02Busan (Pusan) $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$30
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Zoo for Two$15
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.53
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.53
- French Concession Multicultural Walking Tour: $4.00
- Shanghai Evolution Free Walking Tour: $4.00
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
- Journey Back to Dunhuang Experience Voucher: $5.69
- Shanghai Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.96
- Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket: $9.68
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Private Shanghai Full Day Tour Yu Garden, Bund and Oriental Pearl: $10
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
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $12
- Busan Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid: $14
- Busan Vaunce Trampoline Yongho W Center Discount Ticket(내국인불가): $21
- Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $31
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $31
- Busan Coastal Views or Bamboo Forest with Local Markets Day Tour: $36
- The Essential Busan: Coastal Views, Local Markets & Culture Tour: $36
- Busan Tour: Sky Capsule, Gamcheon, Haeundae Blueline Park & more: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- From Busan to Gyeongju UNESCO Authentic Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.87Busan (Pusan) $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl (Guided Bar Hopping) with Shots Included: $26
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 Shanghai and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Shanghai 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Busan (Pusan)?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Busan (Pusan). When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Busan (Pusan)?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Shanghai or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Shanghai is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 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 JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 18°C (65°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Busan (Pusan). Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Busan (Pusan). The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In January, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Busan (Pusan). The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan) in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.