Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Shenzhen?
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 Shenzhen or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Busan (Pusan) can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Shenzhen or Busan (Pusan)?
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $104. 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 Shenzhen and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen 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.Shenzhen $15Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Shenzhen with English Service: $35
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
- Shenzhen Private Transfer and Ongoing Travel Assistance: $39
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport: $45
- Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $47
- Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG): $47
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Shenzhen 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 dayShenzhen $35Busan (Pusan) $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
- Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
- Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
- Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
- Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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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: $53
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
- Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
- Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
- Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
- Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
- The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
- Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
- 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Busan (Pusan) $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Busan (Pusan).
In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Busan (Pusan).
In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Busan (Pusan). Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.