Which place is cheaper, Arequipa or Ho Chi Minh City?
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 Ho Chi Minh City or Arequipa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ho Chi Minh City and Arequipa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Ho Chi Minh City or Arequipa?
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.
Arequipa
Sitting in the middle of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes of Peru is the enchanting city of Arequipa. With 468 years of history, the city is full of Spanish colonial architecture. Known to locals as the "white city," the city center, Plaza de Armas, is quite the sight with buildings of sillar white stone made from the rocks of the surrounding volcanoes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru, and The Best Cultural Tours in Peru.
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Ho Chi Minh City Prices
Vietnam PricesArequipa Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHo Chi Minh City $89Arequipa $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Ho Chi Minh City is $89, while the average daily cost in Arequipa is $61. 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 Ho Chi Minh City and Arequipa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHo Chi Minh City $49Arequipa $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHo Chi Minh City $98Arequipa $50
Compare Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and Arequipa
Looking for a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or Arequipa? 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: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices and Arequipa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $15Arequipa $6.47
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:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.35
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Taxi From Airport$7.74
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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:
- Airport Transfer (From Airport - Ho Chi Minh City (Private 16 Seats Car): $70
- Airport Transfer From Hotel in Ho Chi Minh to Airport By 4 Seats Car: $35
- Airport Transfers (Airport - Ho Chi Minh,Private 16 Seats Car): $52
- CONVENIENT AIRPORT TRANSFER by PRIVATE CAR or SCOOTERS | KissTour: $28
- Cam Ranh Riviera to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Chan May Private transfer to Hoian via Hai Van Pass, marble Hills: $66
- Duyen Ha Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- From Phu My Port: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Transfers: $143
- Fusion Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Golden Bridge, Marble mount, guide, lunch, transfer from Cruises: $199
- Golden peak Resort to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $20
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Vinh City to Hanoi (HAN) Airport: $266
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Arequipa are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$1.46
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Bus Ride$0.47
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Taxi Ride$1.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arequipa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arequipa:
- Colca Canyon 2-Day Tour with Lodge Stay and Transfer to Puno: $267
- Private Transfer From Arequipa To Puno With a 2 Hour Stop: $252
- 3 Day Trek Including Transfer to Puno / Colca Canyon: $214
- Colca Canyon + Transfer To Puno: $103
- Colca Canyon full day tour with transfer to Puno: $80
- Koh Lanta any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $78
- Colca Canyon Full-Day Tour with Transfer to Puno: $72
- Full Day Tour to Colca including Transfer to Puno: $60
- Arequipa Airport Private Transfer: $38
- Arequipa Bus Station Arrival Transfer: $37
- Arequipa Bus Station Departure Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Arequipa Airport to hotels: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Ho Chi Minh City or Arequipa?
Prices for flights to both Arequipa and Ho Chi Minh City 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 dayHo Chi Minh City $23Arequipa $25
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.14
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Pizza$5.03
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Sweet Rice$1.16
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Pork Sandwich$0.58
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.57
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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
Typical Food Prices in Arequipa
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arequipa:
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Coke$0.44
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Lunch$3.06
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Ice Cream$1.17
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Fruit$0.87
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Ice Cream$1.02
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arequipa
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Arequipa.
- Cooking Class at La Plantation: $36
- Peruvian Cooking Experience in Arequipa: $43
- Peruvian Cooking Class in arequipa: $50
- Arequipa Nights Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Peruvian Cooking Class: $63
- Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour: $70
- A 3-hour Guided Food Tour with 4 Iconic Restaurants of Arequipa: $79
- Arequipa Food Tour Experience: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ho Chi Minh City $20Arequipa $20
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:
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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.
- Hidden Bunker & Vietnam War - Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: $0.61
- Highlights & Hidden Gems - Free Walking Tour: $0.61
- Langbiang Nature Park Experience with Tickets: $4.82
- Essential Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: All Must-see: $5.00
- Walking Tour: $5.00
- Ho Chi Minh city private tour guide: $5.00
- Essential Saigon Walking Tour – The City of Sword and Shield: $5.00
- Vietnam Pho Phai Tai Restaurant Dining Experience: $7.22
- Night Bus Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $7.50
- Cu Chi Tunnels Tour: A Journey Through Vietnam War History: $7.50
- Discover Ho Chi Minh City A Guided Tour: $7.98
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Private Tour With Local Students: $7.98
Typical Entertainment Prices in Arequipa
Here are a few typical costs in Arequipa for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Monastery Entry$2.91
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Salsa Class$2.91
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Movie Ticket$3.18
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Hot Springs$2.91
Tours and Activities in Arequipa
Here are a few actual costs in Arequipa for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Climbing Volcano Chachani Tour, Conquer Your First 6,070m: $200
- 2 Days Colca Canyon Tour: $48
- 2 Days Colca Living Experience Nature Culture and Tradition: $173
- 2 days 1 night Colca Canyon tour ending in Puno: $156
- 2 days and 1 night tour in the Colca Canyon: $205
- 2-Day Group Tour to Colca Canyon from Arequipa: $230
- 2-Day Hiking Tour to the Colca Canyon: $120
- 2-Day Tour to the Magical Colca Canyon: $68
- 3 Hour Congata Rover Biking Ride Tour in Arequipa: $50
- 8-Hours Tour in Arequipa Laguna de Salinas with Pick-up: $30
- Añashuayco Quarries and Sillar Route Tour from Arequipa: $25
- Afternoon : Arequipa Walking tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHo Chi Minh City $7.73Arequipa $17
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:
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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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Arequipa are as follows:
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Beer$2.62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ho Chi Minh City and Arequipa, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. And not only is Arequipa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia and Arequipa is in South America, 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 Arequipa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arequipa 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City than you might in Arequipa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive? and Is Arequipa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ho Chi Minh City or Arequipa?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Arequipa. When comparing the sizes of Ho Chi Minh City and Arequipa, 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.