Which place is cheaper, Tulum 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 Tulum?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) or Tulum, 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 Tulum?
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.
Tulum
When you think of ancient ruins you probably picture dusty archaeological digs surrounded by sand and professors in khaki shorts. What if I told you there is a way to see ancient ruins and visit a tropical beach? That's exactly what you find in Tulum, Mexico.
Built near the end of Mayan era, the ruins of Tulum served as a port before the arrival of the Spanish. It may have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, given that these ruins face the sunrise. Because of Tulum's access to both land and sea routes, this spot was an important hub for the trade industry. It may have had another claim to fame, too. According to some murals and other works around the site, it seems this spot was an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending God. Today, the area is the third most visited archaeological site in all of Mexico with daily tour buses dropping off visitors.
This area is usually packed with people looking to get a glimpse of the seaside ruins. To avoid crowds and capture the best view of the day, try to arrive as early as possible.
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 Mexico, and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
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Busan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea PricesTulum Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBusan (Pusan) $104Tulum $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $104, while the average daily cost in Tulum is $133. 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 Tulum in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBusan (Pusan) $39Tulum $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBusan (Pusan) $78Tulum $108
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Tulum
Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) or Tulum? 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 Tulum Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Tulum $25
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tulum
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tulum:
- Private Transfer from Tulum Airport (TQO): $69
- Private Transfer to Tulum Airport (TQO): $69
- Tulum to Xcaret - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $114
- Private Airport Transfer to Tulum: $117
- Tulum to Playa del Carmen - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $120
- Private Transfer Cancun International Airport CUN to Tulum City: $125
- One way private transfer Bahia Principe area: $132
- Economy Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe: $139
- Tulum Airport: One-Way or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $144
- Private Transfer from Tulum to Cancun Airport – Safe & Comfortable: $150
- Private Transfer to Tulum from Tulum Airport: $150
- Tulum Archaeological Zone and Jaguar Park With Transfer and Lunch: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Tulum?
Prices for flights to both Tulum 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) $44Tulum $54
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
Typical Food Prices in Tulum
Some typical examples of dining costs in Tulum are as follows:
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Lunch$2.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tulum
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Tulum.
- Salsa Class with Mezcalita Workshop & Mexican Dinner in Tulum: $83
- Mexican Cooking from Scratch in a Local Home in Tulum: $87
- Tulum Local Walking Food Tour: $88
- Temazcal Mayan Ritual Tour and Cenote Swim with Yucatecan Dinner: $120
- Private transfer for 5 hours (go dinner,cenotes, shopping and more) : $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Busan (Pusan) $20Tulum $29
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 Tulum
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Tulum are as follows:
- Salsa Dance Experience at Tulum Beach: $22
- Coba Mayan Ruins and Cenote Swim Tour: $25
- Snorkel 2 reef point, 1 hour 20 minutes tour : $29
- ATV Cenote and Ziplines Adventure in Tulum from Riviera Maya: $30
- Tulum Jungle Experience with ATV, Ziplines, and Cenote: $35
- Guided Day Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Swim and Valladolid: $38
- Tulum Extreme Mayan Adventure with ATV, Zipline and Cenote: $38
- Cenotes Casa Tortuga Guide Tour with Ticket: $39
- Chichén Cenote and ValladolidkTour with Buffet Lunch from Tulum: $45
- Tulum Area Experiences Scooter Daily Rental: $45
- Discover Chichen Itza Charm Shared Tour from Tulum: $45
- Tulum Area Experiences E-Bike Daily Rental: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBusan (Pusan) $12Tulum $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Tulum
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tulum:
- 30 Minutes Brewery Tour in Tulum: $39
- Beer Tasting and Brewery Tour: $69
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Busan (Pusan) and Tulum, we can see that Tulum is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Tulum is in North 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 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 Tulum would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tulum 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 Tulum Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Tulum?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) and Tulum, 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 Tulum?
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 Tulum in the Summer?
Both Tulum and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Busan (Pusan) is generally cooler than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 25°C (77°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Tulum. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Tulum during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Tulum. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBusan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)Tulum 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Tulum in the Autumn?
Both Tulum and Busan (Pusan) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Busan (Pusan) is cooler than Tulum in the autumn. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tulum. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 216 hours of full sun.
Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Busan (Pusan) usually gets less rain in October than Tulum. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBusan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Tulum in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Tulum. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Busan (Pusan) can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Busan (Pusan) is much colder than Tulum. Typically, the winter temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Tulum averages at about 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tulum during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Tulum receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Tulum. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBusan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)Tulum 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Tulum in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Tulum. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Tulum. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 14°C (57°F), and Tulum fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets less sunshine than Tulum. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tulum receives 273 hours of full sun.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Tulum. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Tulum receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBusan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)Tulum 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Tulum and Busan (Pusan)
| Busan (Pusan) | Tulum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.