Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Zhengzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zhengzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
-
Zhengzhou Prices
China PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $65Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $65, 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 Zhengzhou and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $21Busan (Pusan) $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $42Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhengzhou $14Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Zhengzhou airport or Train Staion Transfer Service: $150
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: $125
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Zhengzhou 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 dayZhengzhou $36Busan (Pusan) $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's$4.43
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $5.03Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kaifeng city highlights tour with delicious lunch from Zhengzhou: $120
- Shaolin Temple One Day Tour: $125
- Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $140
- Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
- Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
- Zhengzhou Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes: $175
- Zhengzhou private day tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu show: $180
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Datong:HangingTemple&Grotto Private Car with Entrance ticket: $199
- Zhengzhou:Kaifeng Private Day Tour Featuring MUST-SEE Attractions: $209
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan Yacht Tour with Music: $26
- Japanese Occupation and Korean War Historical Tour in Busan: $29
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Eden Valley Ski and Snowboard Tour from Busan : $41
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Day trip from Busan - A Spring Adventure!: $47
- Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour from Busan with Seoul Drop-off: $47
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan Full-Day City Tour with Gamcheon Village, Sea Temple & more: $49
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $4.04Busan (Pusan) $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Zhengzhou. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou or Busan (Pusan)?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Busan (Pusan).
In the summer, Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during summer. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhengzhou 28°C (83°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Busan (Pusan).
In October, Zhengzhou is generally cooler than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Zhengzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun.
Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. Zhengzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Zhengzhou is much colder than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during winter. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhengzhou 1°C (34°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Zhengzhou during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the spring, Zhengzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Busan (Pusan). Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Zhengzhou
| Zhengzhou | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 6 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.