Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tianjin or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Busan (Pusan)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tianjin or Busan (Pusan)?
Tianjin
Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.
Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $76Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, 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 Tianjin and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $34Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $68Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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.Tianjin $36Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tianjin Airport Chauffeur Service, Tianjin Airport Transfer: $13
- Tianjin Airport Chauffeur Service, Tianjin Airport Transfer: $18
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Tianjin Railway Station to City Hotel: $30
- Private Departure Transfer: Bejing City Hotel to Airport: $32
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Port to Tianjin Binhai Airport TSN: $33
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Binhai Airport TSN to Tianjin Port: $33
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Binhai Airport to Tianjin Port: $36
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
- Tianjin Airport (TSN) to Tianjin RoundTrip Private Transfer: $50
- Tianjin Port Private transfers to Tianjin train station: $50
- Private Transfer from Tianjin City Hotels to Tianjin Cruise Port: $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Tianjin 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 dayTianjin $20Busan (Pusan) $26
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
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
- Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
- Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $151
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Hotel With the English Speaking Driver: $160
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Daxing Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $203
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- Tianjin Private Tour to Eastern Qing Tombs with Flexible Departure time: $237
- Private Tianjin Day Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall and Dule Temple: $238
- Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $238
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Full Day Private Guided Tour in Hidden Spot, Daegu: $180
- 2-Day Busan East and South Private Tour: $300
- 4Hour Tour From Seokbulsa Temple To Geumjeongsan Fortress: $90
- Adventures in Blossoms: Daegu E-World Cherry Blossoms Tour: $77
- Beomeosa Temple and Hongbeopsa Temple Tour and local market tour: $81
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Custom-made Car Tour （Private Tour）: $187
- Busan Essential Private Tour with Heaedong Yonggungsa and Gamcheon Village: $240
- Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Guided Small Group Tour for Up to 6 Cruise Guests.: $99
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Guided Tour: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Busan (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 comparing the travel costs between Tianjin and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tianjin Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Busan (Pusan)?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Busan (Pusan). When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Tianjin during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the summer, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Tianjin gets 224 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 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 JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Busan (Pusan).
In October, Tianjin is generally cooler than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), 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. In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 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 OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Busan (Pusan).
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Tianjin can be very cold during winter. Tianjin is much colder than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the winter, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Tianjin gets 247 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, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Tianjin gets 25 mm (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 AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.