Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City?
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 Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City?
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.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Tanzania, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam.
-
Arusha Prices
Tanzania PricesHo Chi Minh City Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayArusha $188Ho Chi Minh City $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $188, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is $89. 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 Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personArusha $125Ho Chi Minh City $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomArusha $250Ho Chi Minh City $98
Compare Hotels in Arusha and Ho Chi Minh City
Looking for a hotel in Arusha or Ho Chi Minh City? 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 Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Arusha $13Ho Chi Minh City $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha
Also for Arusha, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport Transfers: $160
- Moshi - Arusha Transfer: $149
- Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to Moshi: $65
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer: $60
- Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Private Transfer: $59
- Arusha Airport and Hotel Transfer: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
-
Short Taxi Ride$1.35
-
Taxi From Airport$7.74
-
Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vinpearl Resort & Spa Long Beach to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Cam Ranh HTL-APT (CXR): $16
- Tan Son Airport Arrival Private Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City: $40
- Saigon Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center Private Transfer: $19
- Sai Gon Airport Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Round-trip Private Transfer Ho Chi Minh - Vung Tau (16 Seats Car): $141
- Private transfer from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City: $87
- Private transfer Tan Son Nhat airport - Hotels in Ho Chi Minh: $12
- Private transfer Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) - Hotels In City: $17
- Private Transfer: Vinh Airport to/from Vinh City Center: $31
- Private Transfer: Thanh Hoa Airport to/from Thanh Hoa City Center: $54
- Private Transfer: Pleiku Airport to/from Pleiku City Center: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Ho Chi Minh City?
Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City 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 $40Ho Chi Minh City $23
Typical Food Prices in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
A Quick Lunch (for 2)$2.08
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Arusha Cooking Class and Local Market Tour: $30
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
-
Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.14
-
Pizza$5.03
-
Sweet Rice$1.16
-
Pork Sandwich$0.58
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.57
-
Western Lunch (for Two)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ho Chi Minh City Authentic Street Food Tour With Local Students: $7.98
- HCM: Mekong Delta Boat, Khotcake cooking Coconut Village: $16
- Ho Chi Minh City Michelin & Street Food Tour by Motorbike or Car: $18
- Ho Chi Minh City Tour With Charity Cooking Class With Students: $20
- Saigon Sightseeing & Street Food Tour By scooter with Student: $23
- Ho Chi Minh city Walking Chinatown / HCM city walking food tour: $25
- Street Food Tour In Ho Chi Minh City By Motorbike: $26
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $27
- Premium Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Food Tour (Michelin Optional): $27
- Saigon River Sunset or Luxury Dinner Cruise Experience: $28
- Michelin-Recognized Food Tour with Local Expert: $29
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour By Motorbike (Unique & Authentic): $29
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Arusha $44Ho Chi Minh City $20
Tours and Activities in Arusha
For Arusha, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Tour Hot Spring (Majimoto): $80
- 1 Day trip to Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour: $127
- 1 day trip Materuni Waterfall, Village & Coffee Walking Tour: $127
- 4 Hours Cycling Tour in Shimo La Mungu Crater: $50
- Arusha A Walking City Tour Museum Culture and Everyday Life: $60
- Arusha African Shopping Tour: $100
- Arusha Bike Town Tour Experience: $55
- Arusha City Culture and Historical Walking Tour: $40
- Arusha City Tour with Local Guide and Hotel Pickup: $25
- Arusha City Walking Tour: Markets, Culture & Hotel Pickup: $20
- Arusha Guided City Tour &Hotel Pickup (History, Culture &Market: $21
- Arusha Guided City Tour: Culture, History and Markets with Pickup: $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Massage$5.42
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- 1 Day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Private Adventure: $156
- 1 Hour Saigon River Tour in Ho Chi Minh: $13
- 1-Day City Tour: Saigon Chinatown, Must-See Icons & Cyclo Ride: $128
- 1-Day Explore Non-Touristy Side Of Mekong Delta- Group 10 Max: $130
- 1-Day Tour of Black Virgin Mountain - Cao Dai Temple - Cu Chi Tunnels from HCMC: $65
- 1-day My Tho boat trip in Mekong Delta group tour from Ho Chi Minh: $34
- 2 Day Mekong Delta Adventure and Floating Market Tour: $199
- 2 Day Private Mekong Delta, Riverside and Ecolodge Nature Tour: $225
- 2 Day Saigon Highlights Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Cruise: $299
- 2 Days La Pandora Cruise Explore Halong and Lan Ha Bay: $270
- 2 Days Mekong Delta Tour Floating market Exit Phu Quoc Island: $172
- 2 Days and 1 Night Mekong Delta River Tour: $148
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayArusha $10Ho Chi Minh City $7.73
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
-
Beer$0.39
Sample the Local Flavors in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Make Your Own Gin Experience and Saigon Baigur Distillery Tour: $36
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arusha and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Arusha is more expensive. And not only is Ho Chi Minh City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Arusha is in Africa and Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arusha Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Arusha or Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Arusha. When comparing the sizes of Arusha and Ho Chi Minh City, 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.