Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Moshi?
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 Moshi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Moshi or Ho Chi Minh City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Moshi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Moshi
Moshi is a town in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. It’s known as a gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Trails run up the mountain's cloud-ringed, snow-capped dome, through alpine forests and meadows home to elephants and leopards. The noticeably clean capital of the densely populated Kilimanjaro region sits at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro and makes a good introduction to the splendors of the north. It's a low-key place with an appealing blend of African and Asian influences and a self-sufficient, prosperous feel, due in large part to its being the center of one of Tanzania's major coffee-growing regions. Virtually all visitors are here to climb Mt Kilimanjaro or to recover after having done so. Yet there’s much more to do, including cultural tours and hikes on the mountain’s lower slopes.
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 Wildlife Tours to Tanzania, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Tanzania, The Best Historical Tours in Vietnam, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Vietnam.
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Moshi Prices
Tanzania PricesHo Chi Minh City Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoshi $83Ho Chi Minh City $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Moshi is $83, 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 Moshi and Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoshi $36Ho Chi Minh City $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoshi $72Ho Chi Minh City $98
Compare Hotels in Moshi and Ho Chi Minh City
Looking for a hotel in Moshi 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: Moshi Hotel Prices and Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moshi $17Ho Chi Minh City $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moshi
Also for Moshi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Moshi to Arusha or Arusha to Moshi Transfer (Intercity transfer): $93
- Airport Transfer between Moshi and Kilimanjaro International Airport: $82
- Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) Private Transfer to Mount Kilimanjaro: $78
- Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer: $60
- Kilimanjaro Airport JRO Private Taxi Transfer: $55
- Reliable Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to Your Hotel: $55
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Transfer/Taxi Services: $53
- Private Airport Transfer Moshi to Kilimanjaro Int Airport (JRO): $50
- Kilimanjaro Airport Private Transfer from/to Moshi: $49
- Private Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi: $47
- Private Airport transfers from any hotel in Zanzibar (Departures): $30
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:
- 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 Moshi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Moshi 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 dayMoshi $34Ho Chi Minh City $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moshi
For Moshi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Kili View Tanzanian Cooking Class: $26
- Kilimanjaro : Cooking, Brew, Hiking & Feast in Materuni Village: $57
- Traditional Tanzanian Cooking Class in Moshi with a Local Family: $79
- Private Market Tour and Tanzanian Cooking Class in Moshi: $109
- Spice Picking with Zanzibar Cooking Class: $193
- 3 Days Chaga Culture: Cooking, NGO Projects, Banana Beer, Hiking: $201
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moshi $18Ho Chi Minh City $20
Tours and Activities in Moshi
For Moshi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- #1 Best Tanzania Safari Tarangire Day tour Adventure: $200
- 1 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek Marangu Route Adventure: $235
- 1 Day Tour to Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour: $128
- 1 Full Day to Materuni Waterfalls, Coffee Tour & Chemka Hotspring: $95
- 1-Day Moshi Villages bike tour: $50
- Authentic Moshi experience coffee, markets & local life(7hr tour): $100
- Best 1# day Kilimanjaro trek Machame with Kilinge Adventure: $100
- Best Kilimanjaro hiking day trip tour From Arusha/Moshi: $100
- Bodaboda Experience to Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour: $52
- Chemka Hot Spring Day Tour: $150
- Chemka Hot Springs Tour from Moshi: $60
- Day Tour at Maasai Village In Tanzania: $156
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.
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoshi $3.35Ho 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:
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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
When comparing the travel costs between Moshi and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Moshi is in Africa and Ho Chi Minh City is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moshi Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moshi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Moshi. When comparing the sizes of Moshi 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.