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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Arusha Prices
Tanzania PricesBangkok Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayArusha $189Bangkok $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $189, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $102. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personArusha $126Bangkok $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomArusha $252Bangkok $98
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Arusha $13Bangkok $6.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha
Also for Arusha, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arusha Airport & Hotel Transfers: $40
- Arusha Airport and Hotel Transfer: $35
- Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha City Private Transfer: $120
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer: $60
- Moshi - Arusha Transfer: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.43
-
Skytrain Ticket$4.86
-
Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.97
-
Ferry Ride$0.79
-
Taxi From Airport$7.60
-
Short Taxi Ride$2.74
-
Boat Taxi$1.52
-
Trains to airport$4.86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- oneway transfer service Bangkok-Hua hin: $77
- VIP Bangkok Tours and Transfers: $64
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Rayong Province: $95
- Transfer from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Koh Chang: $145
- Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Bangkok city: $30
- Transfer from DMK Donmuaeng International Airport to BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport: $33
- Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi International Airport to DMK Donmuang Airport: $33
- Transfer from BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport to Rayong Province: $82
- Transfer Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK) to Bangkok City Center: $19
- Transfer From Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok Hotel or Vice Versa: $41
- Transfer Bangkok City Center to Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK): $19
- Thrilling Jurassic World Adventure with Private Bangkok Transfer: $59
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
-
Food Meals for one dayArusha $40Bangkok $35
Typical Food Prices in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
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: $45
- NGO Lifted Strong - Traditional Tanzanian Cooking Class: $50
- Local Tanzanian Food Cooking Class by Kingstone Asilia (Arusha): $55
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
-
Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
-
Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$6.08
-
2 Rotis (Bread)$1.37
-
Mango & Sticky Rice$0.91
-
Lunch at KFC (for Two)$6.08
-
Pad Thai$2.13
-
Airport Lunch for 2$17
-
Lunch for 2$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck Ticket with Buffet Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Meridian Sunset Cruise Dinner Buffet from Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $26
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $26
- Alangka Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $26
- Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok's Old Town with Market Tour: $29
- Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $31
- Alangka Dinner Cruise from Bangkok on Chao Phraya River ICONSIAM: $31
- River Star Princess Dinner Cruise Tour from Bangkok: $32
- Authentic Thai Cooking with the Largest market visit &TukTuk ride: $32
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise: Bangkok Chao Phraya River: $32
- Chao Phraya Cruise +Indian Buffet Dinner: $34
Entertainment
-
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
- Guided Arusha town tour with market visit,shopping, and city walk: $17
- Arusha Guided Tour: Culture, History, Markets & Hidden Gems: $18
- Arusha Guided City Tour &Hotel Pickup (History, Culture &Market: $21
- Arusha City Tour: Where Continents Collide & Cultures Dance: $30
- Street Food and Community Walking Tour: $30
- Private Local Market Tour in Tengeru: $35
- Private Meru Coffee Tour in Nkoaranga: $35
- Mountain Bike Tour of the Foothills of Mount Meru: $40
- Arusha City Culture and Historical Walking Tour: $40
- Banana Bliss Plantation Coffee Medicinal and Waterfall Tour: $45
- Tanzanite Shopping Experience in Arusha: $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Movie Ticket$4.86
-
Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$11
-
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.52
-
Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$6.08
-
Club Cover Charge$11
-
Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$73
-
Fish Pedicure$4.56
-
Wat Pho entrance ticket$3.04
-
Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Pattaya Sunset Boat Party Tour: $138
- 2 Days Private Experience from Bangkok Big City Farm: $250
- 2 Hour Muay Thai Training Experience with Fighters in Bangkok: $22
- 2-Day River Kwai Adventure with 1-Night Stay at Resotel: $240
- 2-hour SUNSET Canal Tour + FOODS Tasting with Tour Guide: $50
- 3 Days Bangkok Experience with Accommodation & Top Sightseeing: $181
- 3 Hours Private Bangkok Highlights Tour by Public Transport: $87
- 4 Dishes Thai Cuisine Experience at Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi: $59
- 4 Hours Private Tour in Bangkok: $106
- 4-Hour TukTuk Street Food Guided Tour: $68
- 5-Hour Bike Tour of Hidden Bangkok: $55
- 5-Hours Private Walking Tour in Bangkok with Guide: $96
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayArusha $10Bangkok $5.55
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
-
Beer$1.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $21
- GoGo Bar Crawl With Party Vehicle and Party Guide: $62
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.