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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Busan (Pusan)?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Yogyakarta 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: Yogyakarta or Busan (Pusan)?

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, also called Yogya, Jogja, and Jogjakarta, is Java's hub of culture and art, and is the top-visited destination on the island. While Jakarta is the most populated and industrially-developed city in Indonesia, Yogya has managed to progress without losing its cultural charm, as illustrated in its well-kept traditional Indonesian architecture.

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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, 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 Yogyakarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Yogyakarta is $58, 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 Yogyakarta and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yogyakarta $37
    Busan (Pusan) $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yogyakarta $74
    Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Yogyakarta and Busan (Pusan)

Looking for a hotel in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta


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

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yogyakarta $1.33
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yogyakarta

Also for Yogyakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer In or Out Airport Yogyakarta: $9.61
  • Private Transfer Airport Yogyakarta (JOG) to All City Destination: $11
  • Yogyakarta Private Departure Transfer- Yogyakarta Hotel to Airport: $20
  • Private Transfer From or To Yogyakarta Airport: $24
  • Ramayana Ballet Dance Show with Transfers: $25
  • Private Transfer From/To Yogyakarta Airport: $26
  • Yogyakarta Airport : for pick up or transfer service: $28
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport YIA To City Center: $29
  • Borobudur 5-Hour Guided Tour with Climb-up Access & Transfer: $29
  • Yogyakarta International Airport to Hotel - Arrival Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Yogyakarta Airport (JOG) to Yogyakarta City: $34
  • Private Transfer from Kricak to Yogyakarta Airport (JOG): $34

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 Yogyakarta or Busan (Pusan)?

Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Yogyakarta 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
    Yogyakarta $12
    Busan (Pusan) $26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Morning Food Tour with Tasting: $22
  • Yogyakarta : Guided City Walk and Food Tour: $32
  • Prambanan temple afternoon tour and dinner: $34
  • Prawirotaman Night Food Tour: $35
  • Night Walking and Food Tour: $37
  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class and Market Tour : $38
  • Ramayana Ballet Performance with Dinner: $38
  • Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta: $40
  • Javanese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $56
  • Yogyakarta Day Food Tour: $58
  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class: $71
  • Nusantara Cooking Course and Lokal Market Tour: $80

Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

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


  • McDonald's
    $4.48
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yogyakarta $16
    Busan (Pusan) $20

Tours and Activities in Yogyakarta

For Yogyakarta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Obelix Hills Entry Ticket: $1.52
  • Chicken Church at Karangrejo Village Admission Ticket: $1.90
  • 6 hours Borobudur temple climb up tour only.: $19
  • Jomblang cave Tour only.: $19
  • Prambanan Afternoon Tour Discover Magic sunset: $19
  • Yogyakarta : Jomblang Cave tour with local Guide: $20
  • Walking Tour of Yogyakarta's Oldest Neighbourhood: $21
  • Yogyakarta City Tour: $21
  • Authentic Yogya Bicycle Tour: $22
  • Jomblang Cave Tour: $22
  • Guided Tour to Borobudur with Full Access: $23
  • Borobudur and Prambanan Temple Tour: $23

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yogyakarta $4.93
    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 Pub Crawl: $20


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

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


Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Busan (Pusan)?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Yogyakarta. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.