Which place is cheaper, Okinawa 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 Okinawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?
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.
Okinawa
Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesOkinawa Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Okinawa $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Okinawa $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Okinawa
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Okinawa? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Okinawa $9.66
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:
- Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
- Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Okinawa?
Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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) $44Okinawa $41
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.
- Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Okinawa $14
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 Okinawa
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:
- Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
- Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
- Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
- Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
- Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
- Okinawa Jungle Trails & Waterfalls – Private Yanbaru Tour: $49
- Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
- Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
- Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
- Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour｜Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
- 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Okinawa $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Okinawa, we can see that Okinawa is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Busan (Pusan) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Busan (Pusan) 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa than you might in Busan (Pusan).
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 Okinawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Okinawa?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?
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 Okinawa in the Summer?
Both Okinawa and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Okinawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Okinawa averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Okinawa. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Okinawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Okinawa 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Okinawa in the Autumn?
Both Okinawa and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun.
Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Okinawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Okinawa 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Okinawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Okinawa. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Okinawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.
Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Okinawa 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Okinawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Okinawa. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Okinawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Okinawa averages at about 22°C (71°F).
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in April than Okinawa. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Okinawa 22°C (71°F)
Typical Weather for Okinawa and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Okinawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.