A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Addis Ababa vs. Tokyo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Addis Ababa or Tokyo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Addis Ababa or Tokyo, 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: Addis Ababa or Tokyo?

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and also the nation's largest when ranked by its population of over three million. There are also more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa. Other draws include its thriving marketplaces, spicy food, and rich coffee.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Addis Ababa?

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 Addis Ababa is $32, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $190. 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 Addis Ababa and Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Addis Ababa $17
    Tokyo $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Addis Ababa $34
    Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Addis Ababa and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Addis Ababa or Tokyo? 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 Addis Ababa


Hotels in Tokyo


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: Addis Ababa Hotel Prices and Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Addis Ababa $3.10
    Tokyo $18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Addis Ababa are as follows:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa

Also for Addis Ababa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 4 Hours Addis Airport Transfer with Ethiopian Cultural Tour: $299
  • Private Transfer from Bole Airport Addis Ababa (ADD) to Addis Ababa: $154
  • Lalibela Full Day Tour with Guide and Transfer: $130
  • Addis Ababa Airport in/out transfer: $49
  • City/Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa - Shuttles: $40
  • Addis Ababa Airport transfer and shuttle service(privet): $23
  • Addis Ababa Airport pickup and Transfer: $23
  • Transfer Services Addis Abeba Airport : $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

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

  • One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Nagano: $805
  • One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo ⇔ Hakone: $426
  • Shuttle Van Tour Tokyo for 4 Hours or 6 Hours+Transfer Time: $368
  • Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
  • Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
  • Tokyo Departure Private Transfers from Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT: $287
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport (NRT) : $284
  • Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan Car: $274
  • Private Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo City to Narita International Airport: $274
  • Tokyo Airport Transfers: Tokyo City to Tokyo-Narita Airport NRT in Luxury Van: $270
  • Discount Rate, Airport Shuttle Van Transfer, Haneda ⇔ Narita : $261
  • Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) to Tokyo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $253

Is it cheaper to fly into Addis Ababa or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo and Addis Ababa 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
    Addis Ababa $12
    Tokyo $67
Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Addis Ababa:


  • Slice of Cake
    $0.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Addis Ababa

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

  • Totot Cultural Feast & Rhythm Show With Dinner: $54
  • Food tour in Addis Ababa with airport pick-up.: $56
  • Local Ethiopian Food Tour Addis Ababa: $62
  • Flavors of Ethiopia Explore Traditional Cooking Class : $67
  • Addis Ababa Ethiopian cooking class Airport & hotel pick up: $68
  • Yod Abyssinia Cultural Night: Dinner, Music, and Dance: $70
  • Half Day Food Tour Addis Ababa With Airport pickUp And Drop-Off: $75
  • Food tours in Addis Ababa tastever with lunch: $76
  • Private City Tour with Folkloric Dinner: $77
  • Addis abeba Full Cooking class.: $90
  • Cooking class in Addis Ababa: $95
  • Nightlife Tour with Dinner and Live Music: $99

Typical Food Prices in Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.41
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.41
  • Meal at Airport
    $7.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

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

  • Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
  • For First Time Visitor:Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $35
  • Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $35
  • Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
  • Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $42
  • Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $45
  • Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56
  • Tokyo Downtown Akihabara Tour And Dinner Party Adults Only: $59
  • Japanese cooking class - Bring the flavors of Japan to France: $61
  • Tokyo Cute Bento : Kawaii Lunchbox Cooking Class!: $63
  • Authentic Japanese Home Cooking Class in Chiba with Miyuki: $66
  • [1 Group Only] Explore Tokyo Ginza Food Tour for Family: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Addis Ababa $3.20
    Tokyo $71

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Addis Ababa.

  • "Awash National Park Safari Experience": $280
  • 1-Day Tour Old Bridge, Monastery,WaterFalls Wildlife,Birds, : $128
  • 2 Days Awash National Park Safari Tours: $315
  • 2 Days Gheralta Tour Hidden Churches in Northern Ethiopia: $300
  • 2-Night 3-Day Danakil Depression Tour without Flights: $300
  • 3 Days Meskel Festival Package-Addis Ababa City Tour/Debre Libanos Monastery: $256
  • 3 Days Rock Hewn Churches Cultural Tour in Lalibela: $300
  • 3-Day Wild Wonders and Nature, Awash National Park Tour: $490
  • 4 Hour Addis Cuisine Tasting Tour: $65
  • 4 Hours Addis Ababa Cultural Discovery Tour: $42
  • 5 hours Addis Ababa Layover city tour: $36
  • 8 Hours Tour to Taste the Authentic Flavours of Ethiopia: $200

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

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

  • 4 Hours Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $104
  • Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $104
  • Can Am Ryker Cruising in Asakusa Adventure: $243
  • Futakotamagawa Suburban Gems Private Tour in Tokyo: $83
  • Join Tokyo Art Class Experience Publicly: $125
  • Manga Artist Experience with Professional Guidance in Tokyo: $115
  • Mount Fuji and Iconic Scenic Spots Day Tour : $99
  • Pick the Hours That Suit You In A Flexible Tokyo Guided Tour: $70
  • Private Walking Tour Tokyo's Fukagawa Edo Museum: $104
  • Shibuya Tokyo Private Photo Tour Activity: $278
  • Tokyo Skytree Private Walking Tour Experience With cafe inside: $188
  • “Daikoku Car Meet Night Tour | JDM Experience in Tokyo”: $278

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Addis Ababa $2.64
    Tokyo $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Addis Ababa:

  • Pub-crawl Tour ( locally crafted beer and wine tasting ): $58
  • Night Tour Addis Ababa beer and wine tasting: $65

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $4.06

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

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

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
  • 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
  • Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $94
  • Historic Sake Brewery Tour and Culinary Pairing: $125
  • Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $143
  • Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
  • From Tokyo:Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $202
  • Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $243


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Addis Ababa and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Addis Ababa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Addis Ababa is in Africa and Tokyo is in Asia, 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 Addis Ababa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Addis Ababa 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo than you might in Addis Ababa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Addis Ababa Expensive? and Is Tokyo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Addis Ababa or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Addis Ababa. When comparing the sizes of Addis Ababa and Tokyo, 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.