Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Cebu?
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 Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Cebu Prices
Philippines PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $80Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $104. 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 Cebu and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Busan (Pusan)? 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: Cebu Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
- Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu APT-HTL (CEB): $18
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $28
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu HTL-APT (CEB): $31
- Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $102
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 Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Cebu 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 dayCebu $36Busan (Pusan) $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $45
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City: Walking Tour: $21
- Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $32
- Adventure Hiking Trip in the City: $36
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- City Sightseeing Group Tour: $39
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $45
- Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
- Cebu Highlands Tour (Taoist temple, Leah and sirao garden)PICK UP: $46
- Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: $49
- Thrill Seekers Paradise Kawasan Canyoning Adventure: $50
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $51
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Busan (Pusan) $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Busan (Pusan) is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Busan (Pusan), 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 Cebu or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cebu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
In the summer, Cebu is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Cebu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. Cebu is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Busan (Pusan). Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Cebu
| Cebu | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.