Travel Budget for Arusha Visit Arusha on a Budget or Travel in Style

Arusha, Arusha Region, Tanzania
Africa / Tanzania /
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Arusha is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Arusha?

You should plan to spend around $186 (TZS496,257) per day on your vacation in Arusha. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $40 (TZS106,024) on meals
  • $13 (TZS33,679) on local transportation
  • $248 (TZS661,385) on hotels

A one week trip to Arusha for two people costs, on average, $2,605 (TZS6,947,598). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $186
    TZS496,257
  • One Week Per person
    $1,303
    TZS3,473,799
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,605
    TZS6,947,598
  • One Month Per person
    $5,583
    TZS14,887,710
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,605
    TZS6,947,598
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,211
    TZS13,895,196
  • One Month For a couple
    $11,166
    TZS29,775,420
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Arusha cost?

A one week trip to Arusha usually costs around $1,303 (TZS3,473,799) for one person and $2,605 (TZS6,947,598) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Arusha on average costs around $2,605 (TZS6,947,598) for one person and $5,211 (TZS13,895,196) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Arusha will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Arusha on average costs around $5,583 (TZS14,887,710) for one person and $11,166 (TZS29,775,420) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Arusha expensive to visit?

Arusha is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Arusha can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $61 (TZS161,245) per day, mid-range travelers spend $187 (TZS496,257) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $681 (TZS1,806,852) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Arusha.

Within Africa, Arusha is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Cape Town or Dar es Salaam.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Arusha Expensive?

Camping on Kilimanjaro Camping on Kilimanjaro

How much money do I need for a trip to Arusha?

The average Arusha trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Arusha travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Arusha cost?

Arusha on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$35
(TZS93,328) 		$124
(TZS330,693) 		$518
(TZS1,380,105)
Local Transportation1 $5
(TZS12,767) 		$13
(TZS33,679) 		$35
(TZS93,030)
Food2 $15
(TZS40,464) 		$40
(TZS106,024) 		$108
(TZS288,873)
Entertainment1 $18
(TZS48,875) 		$43
(TZS115,099) 		$91
(TZS241,510)
Alcohol2 $2-6
(TZS5,567-16,700) 		$5-16
(TZS13,813-41,440) 		$13-38
(TZS33,340-100,021)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Arusha without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $61 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Thankfully, Arusha offers plenty of hostels such as White House of Tanzania, Villa Viva Tanzania, and Arusha Safari Hostel. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Arusha will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $187 per person, per day.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $681. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Full Day Private Materuni Waterfall and Kikuletwa Hot Spring Tour - offered by Viator.

Climbing Kilimanjaro Climbing Kilimanjaro

Accommodation Budget in Arusha

Hotel rates in Arusha vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $74 to $138. Expect prices to range from $26 for budget hotels to $360 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Arusha for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $248 (TZS661,385). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $124 (TZS330,693) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $124
    TZS330,693
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $248
    TZS661,385

Hotels in Arusha

Looking for a hotel in Arusha? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Arusha

The average hotel room price in Arusha based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $74 in the low season and $138 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Arusha include:

  • African Tulip starting at $153
  • Equator Hotel starting at $38
  • Kaswende Farm starting at $36
  • Korona Villa Bed & Breakfast starting at $47
  • Rivertrees Country Inn starting at $107
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Arusha

By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Arusha

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $13 (TZS33,679) per person, per day, on local transportation in Arusha. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Arusha is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $13
    TZS33,679

Arusha is served by two airports. Kilimanjaro International Airport has regular flights to Amsterdam with KLM, and to Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi. Kilimanjaro Airport is approximately 60km (45min) from the city center. Taxis are available to get to the city from the airport, but many airlines run shittles for much cheaper. Arusha Municipal Airport is on the outskirts of the city but only runs domestic flights, mostly to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and charters. Visas-on-arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Arusha can be reached by express coach from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala with direct services also available from Mwanza, Tanga, and Lushoto. The main mode of public transport is daladala, the ubiquitous minibuses which ply their trade on all the main routes in town. Daladala is very cramped and safety is something to consider. Taxis are plentiful and cheap; make sure to agree on a price before leaving for your destination. Car hire is possible, but most companies prefer to provide their own drivers.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer | Pick Up & Drop up | With BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS LTD for $100 details
  • Arusha Airport & Hotel Transfers for $40 details
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer for $60 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Arusha
How much does it cost to go to Arusha? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Arusha
The price of renting a car in Arusha will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Arusha

Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Arusha can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Arusha is $40 (TZS106,024) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $40
    TZS106,024

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Arusha is around $40 (TZS106024) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $109. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Arusha are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $12
  • Lunch: $6 to $16
  • Dinner: $12 to $28
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

The city’s cuisine is a blend of dishes from various parts of Tanzania as well as global culinary traditions. Ugali (stiff maize meal polenta) with meat sauce, beans, and greens is a staple dish. Nyama ndizi (a soup of meat and starchy cooking bananas) is also popular. Nyama choma, which translates from Kiswahili to English as ‘roast meat’ from either Cows, Lamb, Goat, and kuku choma are popular barbecue dishes usually served a side of french fries with local cold beer and pili pili. Chips mayai or zege is another popular local dish of chips (fried potatoes) and egg. Indian and Chinese cuisines are also widely available. Look for delicious roadside snacks on the streets of Arusha or visit the Arusha Farmers Market for a wide selection of Tanzanian delicacies.

Food & Dining Tips

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Arusha. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Traditional Tanzania Cooking Class & Food Market Tour for $39 details
  • Local Tanzanian Food Cooking Class by Kingstone Asilia (Arusha) for $55 details
  • NGO Lifted Strong - Traditional Tanzanian Cooking Class for $50 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Arusha?

Typical prices for food in Arusha are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Arusha. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.


  • A Quick Lunch (for 2)
    TZS5,500


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Arusha

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Arusha typically cost an average of $43 (TZS115,099) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $43
    TZS115,099

The city hosts the National Natural History Museum, which contains three exhibits on early man, plants, and animals of the region, and the history of the city. The museum used to be an administration outpost for the Germans in the 1900s. It was opened in 1987 as a public museum and displays important assets to the scientific community such as models of Australopithecus people, human ancestors that lived over 2 million years ago.

A small museum adjacent to the Uhuru monument displays information about the proceedings of the Arusha Declaration in 1967.

Masai Market is the local handicrafts and curios market. The Cultural Heritage Center has a large handicrafts store, Tanzanite, and art gallery.

The Cultural Arts Centre offers workshops in traditional Tanzanian dancing and drumming as well as high energy music/dance performances from a professional dance troupe. You can also learn to cook a traditional Tanzanian meal, or make a coastal drum, which you can take away with you.



Climb Mount Meru. It can be done in 2-4 days, depending on your physical condition. You are not required to take guides and porters up Mount Meru, but you must be escorted by armed rangers. Temperatures can be freezing, so prepare warm clothing and sleeping bags. Comfortable and enjoyable climbing of Mount Meru would need a professional mountain guide in addition to armed rangers. Most mountain guides and porters are employed by local tour operators, so your best bet is to search out a reputable tour operator.

Go on a Safari! There are many types of safari trips in Tanzania for many budgets; usually the pricier ones get you out farther into the Serengeti and the Ngorogongoro Crater, to places that are a little less touched by man. The less expensive excursions to reserves and parks are specialized, of a shorter duration, and worthwhile. If there’s one trip that will change your perspective on life, it’s an African safari. You can even try a safari by camel. Camel safaris are done at slopes of Mt. Meru at Maasai village. Camel safaris offer great opportunity for wildlife safaris, Masai culture tour and adventures.

Experience the local wildlife at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and boasting a wealth of majestic animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos, as well as herds of wildebeests and zebras, which migrate annually through the plains. If you're looking for a fantastic area to visit, taking a safari to Ngorongoro Crater is highly recommended. Other highlights of the area include the hominid fossils in the Olduvai Gorge, which date back millions of years. The area is part of the Serengeti and borders the southern plains.

Explore the Wetlands. The sixth largest park in Tanzania, Tarangire National Park, located in the Manyara Region, is divided by the Tarangire River. Known for its large populations of elephants, zebras, wildebeests and cape buffaloes, which are attracted to its fresh water reserves, the landscape also features Acacia and Commiphora-Combretum woodlands and Baobab trees. Stretching over 1,100 square miles, the area also features waterbucks, giraffes, impalas, and vervet monkeys, as well as predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Arusha. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Hidden Arusha Waterfall, Coffee & Village Tour (All-Inclusive) for $40 details
  • Arusha City Culture and Historical Walking Tour for $35 details
  • Private Walking Tour with Giraffes for $48 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Arusha

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $10 (TZS27,627) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Arusha per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $10
    TZS27,627
Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.



Travel cost data last updated: Feb 28, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Arusha

  • Prices often increase and the destination becomes more congested during peak season in . For a more affordable and less crowded experience, consider traveling in the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Choosing a slower travel pace allows you to soak in the area's beauty while saving money. If you cram your days with endless activities, you'll find yourself spending more. In contrast, slowing down often leads to lower costs and a richer experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Arusha has limited options for public transportation. You might want to have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour or private driver. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • Arusha doesn't really have a thriving hostel scene, so if you're counting on staying in a low-cost dorm, you may want to change your plans. Instead, check out budget hotels or apartment rentals.
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Traveling in Arusha
Arusha Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

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.



Neighborhoods & Around

Downtown

There's plenty available to keep you busy in the downtown area, from restaurants to cultural experiences. The city’s downtown area and the main road towards Dodoma are noisy and packed with people and traffic. This is also where you’re most likely to encounter touts offering safaris, souvenirs and all manner of deals, some genuine, many of them not.

Kijenge

Kijenge is three miles away from Arusha and features a variety of attractions such as the crater lake, Lake Duluti.

Sakina

A newly built area on the slopes of Mount Meru, Sakina is strategically located on the northern side of Arusha. It provides a quick getaway to the nearby Kilimanjaro and Arusha national parks, the Ngorongoro conservation area, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti game reserve. There is a good supermarket, a couple of mid-range hotels, a few guesthouses and a number of places serving the traditional "nyama choma" (roasted meat) including "Trooper", the local favorite.

Tengeru

Tengeru is easily accessible by bus. Here you can try grinding your own coffee or just wander the streets and marvel at the beautiful village.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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