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

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Sao Paulo?

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

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

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.

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

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 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo is $60. 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Sao Paulo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo


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 Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Sao Paulo $5.76

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro Airport (GIG) (SDU): $16
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
  • Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
  • Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
  • Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80

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

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $24
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Sao Paulo $3.89

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

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
  • Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
  • São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
  • Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
  • São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
  • City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
  • Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
  • Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
  • São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Sao Paulo $3.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Sao Paulo, we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Sao Paulo is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo.

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 Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Busan (Pusan). When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Busan (Pusan) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Sao Paulo. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

In the summer, Busan (Pusan) is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Sao Paulo is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

Both Sao Paulo and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 18°C (65°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In October, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

Both Sao Paulo and Busan (Pusan) during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Sao Paulo.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Sao Paulo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.

Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)