Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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.
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Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Matsue?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Matsue, 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 Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesMatsue Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Matsue $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Matsue $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Matsue? 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 Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Matsue $20
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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
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Food Meals for one dayBusan (Pusan) $44Matsue $49
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.43
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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: $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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Matsue $9.13
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
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
- Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $104
- Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Matsue $7.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Matsue, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Matsue.
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 Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Matsue?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
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 Busan (Pusan) or Matsue in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Matsue. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Matsue in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Matsue this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Matsue during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun in the summer.
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Matsue. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Matsue in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Matsue. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Matsue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Matsue averages at about 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Matsue. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Matsue in the Winter?
Both Matsue and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Matsue can be very cold during winter. Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Matsue. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Matsue in the Spring?
Both Matsue and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty.
Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Matsue in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Matsue. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun.
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Matsue. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.