Which place is cheaper, Antananarivo or Kampala?
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 Kampala or Antananarivo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kampala or Antananarivo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Kampala or Antananarivo?
Kampala
Kampala is the capital of Uganda in the South part of the country near Lake Victoria. It is the largest city in Uganda, with a population of over two million people. This city is very safe and the locals are known to be very kind and approachable.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar; it is also sometimes referred to as Tana. This city is the cultural and political center of Madagascar as a whole. There are multiple universities, museums, and other social venues in the city, as well as a national rugby team. This city has a very apparent French influence.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Camping Tours in Uganda, The Best Safaris in Uganda, The Best Wildlife Tours to Madagascar, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Madagascar.
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Kampala Prices
Uganda PricesAntananarivo Prices
Madagascar Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKampala $75Antananarivo $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Kampala is $75, while the average daily cost in Antananarivo is $98. 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 Kampala and Antananarivo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKampala $59Antananarivo $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKampala $118Antananarivo $62
Compare Hotels in Kampala and Antananarivo
Looking for a hotel in Kampala or Antananarivo? 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: Kampala Hotel Prices and Antananarivo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kampala $2.48Antananarivo $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kampala
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kampala are as follows:
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Taxi around town$3.98
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kampala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kampala:
- Airport Transfer from Entebbe to Kampala: $30
- Entebbe Airport pickup (Entebbe - Kampala) reliable 24/7 transfer: $48
- Entebbe Kampala Airport Transfer: $55
- Private Airport & In-Country Transfers in Central Uganda: $60
- The best Half day Kampala City Tour with Transfers: $65
- Private Transfer from Entebbe Airport (EBB) Uganda to Kampala: $79
- Private Transfer from Kampala to Entebbe Airport (EBB) Uganda: $79
- Private Entebbe Airport Transfer Pick-Up and Drop-off 24/7: $80
- Full-Day Kampala City Highlights Tour, Lunch & private Transfers: $156
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antananarivo:
- Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo: $40
- Safe Transfer Airport - Hotel in Antananarivo Madagascar: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Kampala or Antananarivo?
Prices for flights to both Antananarivo and Kampala 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 dayKampala $14Antananarivo $53
Typical Food Prices in Kampala
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Kampala:
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Lunch for 2$1.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kampala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kampala.
- Like a local cooking Tours: $26
- Cooking class Experience in Kampala Uganda: $35
- Matoke Moments Kampala Food Tour 12+ Tastings: $49
- Private Ugandan Food Cooking Class and Culture Experience: $55
- Cooking Class With a Local (Kampala, Jinja, Entebbe - 4 Hours): $56
- Kampala City Walking Food Tour: $77
- Kampala Local Cooking Experience: $80
- Nighttime Boda Boda Street Food Tour: $99
- Amazing Race - Food Tour: $103
- Fishing Village Food Tour & Luwombo Stop: $119
- Half-day Kampala City Tour and Traditional Dance Show with Dinner (7-Hours): $147
- uganda fun time (bed,breakfast, lunch and dinner ): $154
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Antananarivo.
- Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour: $245
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kampala -Antananarivo $25
Tours and Activities in Kampala
Here are a few actual costs in Kampala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Kampala walking city Tours Experiences: $20
- Kampala Half-Day Walking Tour with Local Female Guides: $25
- Best Kampala group Walking Tour.: $25
- Entebbe Walking Tour (3 Hours) with Zoo and Botanical Gardens Options: $25
- Kampala’s Best Experience walking tour: $26
- Steve Kampala Walking tours (Airpals Safaris tour): $26
- Kampala Walking City Tours (Women-Guided): $27
- Half day Kampala City Motor Bike Tours: $28
- Female Guided Walking Tours Kampala (3 Hours): $30
- Kampala Guided walking Tour: $30
- 1 Day Best of Entebbe City Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Kampala Walking Tour (3 Hours) with Optional Gaddafi Mosque Visit: $32
Tours and Activities in Antananarivo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Antananarivo are as follows:
- Antananarivo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $25
- Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $30
- Antanavario: Private custom tour with a local guide: $38
- Antananarivo : Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $38
- Guided Tour and sunset in queen's palace: $69
- Private Tour Through the Wildlife of Madagascar and the Kingdom of Rova: $147
- Half-Day Private Tour in Lemur's Park: $150
- Day - Tour Ampefy: $158
- Night Fun Tour of Antananarivo: $177
- Madagascar Day Tour Lemurs Park and Croc Farm from Antananarivo: $189
- Madagascar: Customizable Tour with Car Rental Antananarivo: $206
- Full Day Madagascar Tour with Lemurs' Park, Geysers and Waterfall: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKampala -Antananarivo $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kampala and Antananarivo, we can see that Antananarivo is more expensive. And not only is Kampala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kampala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kampala 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 Antananarivo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antananarivo than you might in Kampala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kampala Expensive? and Is Antananarivo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kampala or Antananarivo?
Antananarivo has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Kampala. When comparing the sizes of Kampala and Antananarivo, 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.