Which place is cheaper, Ulaanbaatar or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Ulaanbaatar 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.
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's capital city. It has a population of slightly over two million people, or about sixty percent of the country's entire population. You are likely to arrive in Ulaanbaatar either by train, coming from China or Russia, or by plane. Many people use Ulaanbaatar as a stop off while doing the Transsiberian Railway. The city is a great place to organize a tour of the surrounding countryside. It's also good city to relax, so make sure you allow yourself a few days to recover from your tour, enjoy some of the great food options, and see some of the fascinating cultural sights around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mongolia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Mongolia.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, while the average daily cost in Ulaanbaatar is $26. 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 Hanoi and Ulaanbaatar in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi or Ulaanbaatar? 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ulaanbaatar:
Prices for flights to both Ulaanbaatar and Hanoi 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ulaanbaatar.
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few actual costs in Ulaanbaatar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Ulaanbaatar, we can see that Hanoi is more expensive. And not only is Ulaanbaatar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ulaanbaatar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ulaanbaatar 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 Hanoi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hanoi than you might in Ulaanbaatar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Ulaanbaatar Expensive?.
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Ulaanbaatar. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi and Ulaanbaatar, 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.