Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Manila?
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 Manila or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manila and Busan (Pusan) can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Busan (Pusan)?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, 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 Manila and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Busan (Pusan) $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Manila and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Manila 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: Manila Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
- Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
- Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
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 Manila or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Manila 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 dayManila $31Busan (Pusan) $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
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.Manila $19Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
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 dayManila $9.90Busan (Pusan) $12
When comparing the travel costs between Manila and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Manila 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 Manila Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Busan (Pusan)?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Busan (Pusan). When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Manila or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 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 JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manila or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Manila during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Manila is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 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 OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Manila or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Busan (Pusan) can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 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 JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Manila or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Busan (Pusan). Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Manila usually gets less rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 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 AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Manila
| Manila | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.