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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Nelson?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Nelson, 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 Nelson?

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.

Nelson

Nelson is a city that sits on Tasman Bay on the South Island of New Zealand. Travelers, especially ones that are heading to explore Abel Tasman National Park, frequently visit this town. Nelson has a population of about 46,000 people and, geographically speaking, it is the center of New Zealand as a whole.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Nelson 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Nelson is $114. 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 Nelson in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Nelson $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Nelson $82
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Nelson

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Nelson? 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 Busan (Pusan)


Hotels in Nelson


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 Nelson Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nelson $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

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

  • 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
  • Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
  • Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137

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

Prices for flights to both Nelson 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 day
    Busan (Pusan) $44
    Nelson $47
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.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Nelson $23

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 Nelson

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nelson are as follows:

  • Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided: $28
  • Cable Bay Adventure Park: E-bike hire: $55
  • Abel Tasman Vista Cruise: $62
  • Cable Bay Adventure Park Skywire Experience: $64
  • Skywire Adventure at Cable Bay, Nelson: $65
  • Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Cycling Self-Guided Adventure: $69
  • Self-Guided Nelson to Mapua Cycle Adventure: $71
  • Magical Mapua Charms in off-summer Season Selfguided Cycle Tour: $74
  • Magical Mapua Self Guided One Day Cycle Tour: $74
  • Half Day Guided Mountain Biking Adventure in Nelson: $74
  • Great Taste Beer Tour by Bicycle (Self-guided): $77
  • Guided Quad Biking Tour Through Forest and Farmland: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Nelson $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Nelson

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nelson:

  • Self-guided E-bike cycle tour with private wine tasting : $116
  • Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $231


When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Nelson, we can see that Nelson 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. Even though Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Nelson is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Nelson Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Nelson?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Nelson. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Nelson, 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.