A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Xigatse vs. Busan (Pusan) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xigatse 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 Xigatse 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: Xigatse or Busan (Pusan)?

Xigatse

The second largest city in Tibet behind Lhasa, Xigatse, commonly known as Shigatse, is home to sights and attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery, plenty of markets, and the ruins of Shigatse temple. All places of interest are fairly walkable, though auto-rickshaws are also available.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.


Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Xigatse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $84, 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 Xigatse and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xigatse $30
    Busan (Pusan) $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xigatse $60
    Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Busan (Pusan)

Looking for a hotel in Xigatse 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.

Hotels in Xigatse


Hotels in Busan (Pusan)


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: Xigatse Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xigatse $13
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Private VIP Airport or Hotel Transfers in Busan: $300
  • Busan Private Transfer: Airport & KTX Stn. to/from Hotel in Busan: $79
  • Busan Airport and KTX Station Transfer Service: $79
  • Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer from Busan City Hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $65
  • Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Busan (Pusan)?

Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Xigatse 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 day
    Xigatse $44
    Busan (Pusan) $44

Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.46
  • 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).

  • Autumn Special: 2 Activities + Dinner Only 4 Exclusive Dates: $50
  • Busan Seafood Tour : Jagalchi market Seafood Tour & Dinner: $110
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan: $110
  • Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $120
  • Private Busan Culture and Food Tour with a Local Guide: $170

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xigatse $15
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • "Walking Tour: Busan local Experience + private guide: $60
  • 7 Highlights Gyeongju City One Day Group Tour from Busan: $55
  • A Comprehensive Small-Group Busan Tour with Hotel Pickup: $58
  • Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $35
  • BTS Landmarks Private Car Tour in Busan with a Licensed Guide: $170
  • Best of Busan Day Tour: Coast, Culture and Local Markets: $36
  • Busan Blueline Park Sky Capsule or Beach Train Ticket: $14
  • Busan City Top Attractions Tour with Haeundae Blueline Park: $35
  • Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
  • Busan Cruise Port – Premium Small Group Tour (Max 6 Guests): $99
  • Busan Cruise Shore Excursion with Guaranteed On-Time Return: $39
  • Busan Daily Private Tour with Hotel Pickup: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xigatse $3.40
    Busan (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 Social Pub Crawl(Seomyeon&Gwangalli Beach): $23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Xigatse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xigatse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xigatse 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 Xigatse.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xigatse Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse 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.