Which place is cheaper, Bangkok or Arusha?
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 Arusha or Bangkok?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Arusha and Bangkok can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Arusha or Bangkok?
Arusha
Arusha is a city in East Africa's Tanzania, located at the base of volcanic Mt. Meru. It’s a gateway to safari destinations and to Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, lying some 100 kilometers northeast. To the west lies Serengeti National Park, home to wildlife including lions, rhinoceros, giraffes and leopards. Annual migrations feature huge herds of wildebeests crossing its plains. Arusha is Tanzania’s gateway to the northern circuit of stellar national parks and the starting point of many a memorable safari. It’s also a large, sprawling city which offers a nice break from the rigors of life on the African road – it has excellent places to stay and eat and, for the most part, it’s lush and green and enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. Arusha is a great destination, and you're sure to enjoy your time here, no matter what your interests are.
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Arusha Prices
Tanzania PricesBangkok Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayArusha $189Bangkok $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $189, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $99. 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 Arusha and Bangkok in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personArusha $126Bangkok $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomArusha $252Bangkok $96
Compare Hotels in Arusha and Bangkok
Looking for a hotel in Arusha or Bangkok? 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: Arusha Hotel Prices and Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Arusha $13Bangkok $6.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha
Also for Arusha, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arusha Airport and Hotel Transfer: $35
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer: $60
- Moshi - Arusha Transfer: $149
- Private Transfer from Arusha to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO): $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.39
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Skytrain Ticket$4.78
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.96
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Ferry Ride$0.78
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Taxi From Airport$7.46
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Short Taxi Ride$2.69
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Boat Taxi$1.49
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Trains to airport$4.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- oneway transfer service Bangkok-Hua hin: $76
- VIP Bangkok Tours and Transfers: $64
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Pattaya: $65
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Koh Chang: $143
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to HuaHin: $81
- Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Bangkok city: $29
- Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to khao Yai National Park: $81
- Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Huahin: $81
- Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to DMK Donmuang Airport: $33
- Transfer Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK) to Bangkok City Center: $18
- Transfer From Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok Hotel or Vice Versa: $40
- Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya 24 hour Round trip Transfer Service: $146
Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Bangkok?
Prices for flights to both Bangkok and Arusha 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 dayArusha $40Bangkok $34
Typical Food Prices in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Lunch (for 2)$2.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Tanzania Cooking Class & Food Market Tour: $43
- NGO Lifted Strong - Traditional Tanzanian Cooking Class: $50
- Local Tanzanian Food Cooking Class by Kingstone Asilia (Arusha): $75
- Homestay + Cooking + Animal Care + Fruit Harvesting + Much More: $187
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.97
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.34
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.90
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.97
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Pad Thai$2.09
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Airport Lunch for 2$16
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Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Mahanakorn Pad Thai & Tom Yum Cooking Class in Bangkok: $21
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $26
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $27
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck Ticket with Buffet Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Bangkok Sunset or Evening Dinner Cruise (The Planet Cruise): $30
- Alangka Dinner Cruise from Bangkok on Chao Phraya River ICONSIAM: $30
- Peaceful Wat Pho and Authentic Street Food Tour: $30
- Bangkok The Luxury White Sunset or Dinner Cruise (Asiatique Pier): $30
- Royal Princess Cruise Sunset Dinner on the Chao Phraya in Bangkok: $31
- Bangkok Meridian Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM: $31
- Bangkok Unicorn Chao Phraya River Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Arusha $44Bangkok $17
Tours and Activities in Arusha
For Arusha, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Best Arusha City Tour: $15
- Arusha City Walking Tour: Markets, Culture & Hotel Pickup: $15
- Personalized Arusha City Tour Culture History and Market: $20
- Coffee Tourism & Banana Farms Experience: $20
- Arusha Guided City Tour &Hotel Pickup (History, Culture &Market: $21
- Arusha Mountain Village and Coffee Tour: $24
- Arusha City Tour with Local Culture and Food Markets: $25
- Arusha Town Tour: $30
- Private Meru Coffee Tour in Nkoaranga: $35
- Microfinance family farm tour - all proceeds to charity: $35
- Arusha City Culture and Historical Walking Tour: $40
- Tanzanite Shopping Experience in Arusha: $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.78
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.49
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.97
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$72
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Fish Pedicure$4.48
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.98
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Bangkok Walking Hopping Tour" show city’s historic sights are located.: $74
- 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience: $19
- 2 Day Guided Tour from Bangkok to Ayutthaya: $91
- 2 Hour Electric Tuk Tuk Cultural Tour of Bangkok: $29
- 2 Hour Longtail Boat Bangkok Canal Tour: $79
- 2 Hours Bangkok Canal Tour By Longtail Boat: $70
- 3 Hour Bus Tour in Ayutthaya Heritage and Temples: $34
- 3hr Sunset Canal Cruise & Stop at Biggest Buddha (fully guided): $73
- 4 Dishes Thai Cuisine Experience at Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi: $59
- 5-Hour Bike Tour of Hidden Bangkok: $55
- 8 Hours Tuk Tuk Private Tour within Bangkok Area: Customed Trips: $111
- 8 hours Bangkok Customized Private Day Tour Pick up from Hotel: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayArusha $11Bangkok $5.46
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arusha and Bangkok, we can see that Arusha is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Arusha is in Africa and Bangkok 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 Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Arusha would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arusha than you might in Bangkok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arusha Expensive? and Is Bangkok Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Arusha or Bangkok?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Arusha. When comparing the sizes of Arusha and Bangkok, 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.
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.