Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Busan (Pusan)?
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 Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
-
Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Busan (Pusan) and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Koh Phi Phi $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi? 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 and Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Koh Phi Phi $7.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
-
Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
-
Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $28
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Busan (Pusan) 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 dayBusan (Pusan) $44Koh Phi Phi $23
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
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
-
Crepe$1.88
-
Sit Down Lunch$11
-
Casual Lunch$6.59
-
Coconut Donut$0.31
-
Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
-
Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Koh Phi Phi $52
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- "Walking Tour: Busan Foodie Experience + Live Like a Local": $73
- 1-DAY Busan and INCLUDED night tour: $220
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $58
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan 4hr Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide: $228
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Gamcheon Culture village and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: $282
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 4hours: $196
- Busan Comfortable Private Tour For 8hours: $251
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
- Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Koh Phi Phi $6.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
-
Mojito Bucket$16
-
Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 3680 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Koh Phi Phi. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.