Which place is cheaper, Osaka 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 Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Osaka, 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesOsaka Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Osaka $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $110. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Osaka $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Osaka $96
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Osaka? 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 Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Osaka $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$8.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer between KIX Airport and Osaka City: $14
- Private Transfer to/from Universal Studios Japan: $42
- Itami Airport(ITM): Private Transfer from/to Osaka or Kyoto: $42
- Transfer from Kansai Airport to Osaka City Hotels: $45
- Osaka International Airport (ITM) Private Transfer to Osaka/Kyoto: $46
- Shared Departure Transfer: Osaka City to Osaka Itami Airport: $57
- Osaka : Private One-way Transfers to/from Kansai Airport(KIX): $59
- Kansai Airport（KIX） to or from Osaka Kyoto Private Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer by Sedan from Itami Airport ITM to Osaka City : $65
- Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Osaka hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Osaka hotels to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
- Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Osaka to Shin Osaka Station: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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) $44Osaka $45
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 Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM DINNER SHOW&NIGHTCLUB with Tasting: $17
- Takoyaki DIY Cooking in the Heart of Osaka: $30
- 1.5 Hour Food Tour at the Kuromon Market in Osaka: $34
- Kobe Beef Bowl Cooking Class in Osaka Afternoon : $41
- Cooking Class for Osaka Style Kushikatsu & Tonjiru (with Onigiri): $45
- Experience Cooking Takoyaki in its Birthplace, Osaka: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $51
- Private Food Tour & Bar Hopping in Namba: $52
- Family Friendly Osaka Tempura Cooking Class: $54
- Discover Osaka Cuisine through Cooking Class Experience: $55
- Osaka Cooking for Japanese Pescatarian dishes: $55
- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner): $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Osaka $21
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 Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$31
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Shinsaibashi: AMMONA Nightclub Entry Ticket (For Foreign): $6.83
- Osaka Dotonbori: GIRAFFE Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- Osaka Umeda: OWL Nightclub Admission Ticket (For Foreign): $6.88
- PICCADILLY PREMIUM Live Show & Nightclub Admission Tickets: $6.88
- Osaka Food Quest: Self-Guided Culinary & History Adventure: $7.16
- HEP Ferris Wheel Osaka Entry Ticket: $11
- Osaka Castle Entry Ticket: $13
- Osaka Castle Admission Ticket: $13
- Osaka Hidden Gems Tour: Tennoji & Oldest Temple with Audio Guide: $14
- Osaka Oracle GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Osaka Dotonbori Wonder Cruise: $14
- Osaka Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory ETicket: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $24
- Nada Gogo Sake Brewery Tour in Kobe from Osaka: $259
When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Osaka?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Osaka in the Summer?
Both Osaka and Busan (Pusan) during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Osaka averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In the summer, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Osaka. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.
Osaka 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 July than Osaka. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Osaka. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Osaka. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Osaka in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Osaka. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Osaka in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Osaka for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Osaka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Osaka averages at about 15°C (59°F).
Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Osaka. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.