Should I Visit Arusha or Diani for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Arusha or Diani?

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 Diani 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 Diani?

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.

Diani

Diani is a major beach resort town on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. It is located 30 kilometers south of Mombasa and the beach has been voted Africa’s leading beach destination several times. With a flawless, long stretch of white-sand beach hugged by lush forest and kissed by surfable waves, it’s no wonder Diani Beach is so popular. This resort town scores points with a diverse crowd: party people, families, honeymooners, backpackers and water-sports enthusiasts. But Diani also has some of the best accommodation in Kenya, from budget party hostels to funky kitesurfing lodges and intimate honeymoon spots. Most places are spread along the beach road, hidden behind a line of forest. When lazing in a hammock gets tiring, visit the coral mosques with their archways that overlook the open ocean, venture into the sacred forests where guides hug trees that speak in their ancestors' voices, or take in the monkey sanctuary – all are good ways to experience more of the coast than the considerable charms of sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Kenya, and The Best Camping Tours in Kenya.

Which place is cheaper, Diani or Arusha?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Arusha Prices
Tanzania Prices

Diani Prices
Kenya Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Arusha $197

Diani $69

The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $197, while the average daily cost in Diani is $69. 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 Diani in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Arusha $131

Diani $23
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Arusha $262

Diani $46

Compare Hotels in Arusha and Diani

Looking for a hotel in Arusha or Diani? 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 Diani Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Arusha $13

Diani $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha

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

Private Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA): $141
Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer: $60
Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Private Transfer: $59
Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer | Pick Up & Drop up | With BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS LTD: $100
Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to Moshi: $65
Tanzanite Museum and Shopping Tour with Transfer: $40
4Days Mount Meru Climbing with free airport transfer: $1,480
Arusha Airport & Hotel Transfers: $40
Airport transfer: $45
Airport Transfer from Arusha town: $90
3-Day Zanzibar to Arusha, Road Transfer to Serengeti: $2,404

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Diani

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

Private transfer to Diani Beach from Mombasa: $65
Private Transfer: Mombasa SGR Train Station to Diani Hotels: $68
From Mombasa Airport: Diani transfer in a minivan (5 pax): $65
Taxi and Airport transfers: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Diani?

Prices for flights to both Diani 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 day

Arusha $42

Diani $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)

$2.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha

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

Arusha:Traditional Tanzania Cooking Class &Local Market Tour: $38
Guided walking city tour& traditional cooking lesson: $47
Local Tanzanian Cooking Class by Kingstone Asilia: $50
Local Tanzanian Food Cooking Class by Kingstone Asilia (Arusha): $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Diani

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

Nairobi:Carnivore Restaurant Romantic Dinner With Transfer.: $34
Diani Beach: Special Dinner with a Local: $50
A ROMANTIC BEACH BONFIRE DINNER SET UP: $75

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Arusha $46

Diani $15

Tours and Activities in Arusha

For Arusha, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Marangu waterfall & Coffee making Cultural Tour | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD : $150
Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee making Cultural Tour | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS LTD : $167
Materuni Waterfalls, Visiting Chagga Village, CoffeeTour Kikuletwa Hotsprings: $100
Materuni Waterfalls,Coffee and Chemka Hotspring Tour: $100
Materuni waterfalls coffee tour & Chemka hot springs Day trip: $95
Private Tour to Marangu Waterfalls, Chagga Caves, Coffee tour & Hot Springs: $127
1 Day Materuni Waterfalls Coffee Tour and Chemka Hot Spring: $128
1 Day Private Lake Chala Full Day Tour: $270
1 Day Tour Hot Spring (Majimoto): $80
12 Days Best Of Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach Tour: $8,745
12 Days Tanzania Wildlife Photographic Safari Experience: $8,595
1Day Safari Tour Tarangire National Park Join Group: $279

Tours and Activities in Diani

For Diani, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

1 day Shimba Hills Tour: $185
Diani Beach: 2-Hour Glass Bottom-Boat Cruise: $28
Diani Beach: Children's Homes Visit And Donation Tour.: $35
Diani Beach: Glass Boat Cruise to Robinson Island: $42
Diani Beach: Kaya Kinondo cultural and nature experience: $30
Diani Beach: Kongo River Estuary Sundowner Boat Tour: $42
Diani Beach: Kongo River Sunset Experience in a canoe: $32
Diani Beach: Village tour on a bike with hotel pick-up: $64
Diani bush tour: $75
Giriama Cultural Dance Show and Local Village Tour: $27
Kisite Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch: $120
Market and Street Food Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Arusha $11

Diani $8.91

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arusha and Diani, we can see that Arusha is more expensive. And not only is Diani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Diani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Diani 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 Diani.

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

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arusha vs. Diani for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Arusha or Diani?

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

Where Should I go: Arusha or Diani?

Arusha

Diani

Which place is cheaper, Diani or Arusha?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Arusha and Diani

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Diani

Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Diani?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Arusha

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Diani

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Arusha

Tours and Activities in Diani

Alcohol

Related Articles for Arusha

Related Articles for Diani

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arusha vs. Diani for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Arusha or Diani?

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

Where Should I go: Arusha or Diani?

Arusha

Diani

Which place is cheaper, Diani or Arusha?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Arusha and Diani

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Diani

Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Diani?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Arusha

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Diani

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Arusha

Tours and Activities in Diani

Alcohol

Related Articles for Arusha

Related Articles for Diani

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