Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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: Xiamen or Busan (Pusan)?
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical 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 dayXiamen $64Busan (Pusan) $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, 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 Xiamen and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $30Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $60Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen 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.Xiamen $5.98Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
- Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Xiamen 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 dayXiamen $26Busan (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.Xiamen $16Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
- Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
- Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Private Xiamen Sea Food Market & Zhongshan Road Shopping and Eating Experience: $107
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
- Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
- Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $119
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
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 dayXiamen $17Busan (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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Busan (Pusan) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Busan (Pusan) than you might in Xiamen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xiamen Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Busan (Pusan).
In July, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Xiamen usually gets less rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 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 JulyXiamen 30°C (86°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Xiamen is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 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 OctoberXiamen 25°C (77°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Xiamen during the winter are popular places to visit.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Xiamen is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Xiamen usually gets more rain in January than Busan (Pusan). Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 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 JanuaryXiamen 14°C (58°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Busan (Pusan).
In April, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Xiamen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Busan (Pusan). Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 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 AprilXiamen 20°C (69°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (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.