Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Arusha?
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 Arusha or Amsterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Arusha and Amsterdam 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.
Where Should I go: Arusha or Amsterdam?
Arusha
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.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
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Arusha Prices
Tanzania PricesAmsterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayArusha $201Amsterdam $248
The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $201, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $248. 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 Arusha and Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personArusha $134Amsterdam $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomArusha $268Amsterdam $240
Compare Hotels in Arusha and Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Arusha or Amsterdam? 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: Arusha Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Arusha $14Amsterdam $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha
Also for Arusha, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arusha Airport & Hotel Transfers: $40
- Kilimanjaro Airport Pick Up & Drop Off | Private Transfer Service: $77
- Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to Moshi: $65
- Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Private Transfer: $59
- Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha City Private Transfer: $120
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA): $161
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram$3.75
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Renting a Bike$18
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One Hour Canal Cruise$12
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Single Day Transit Pass$3.05
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport$3.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $77
- Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $41
- Transfer from Amsterdam to Keukenhof Gardens Tulip from Amsterdam: $210
- Sedan Private Transfer From or To Amsterdam Airport: $84
- Schiphol airport to IJmuiden Cruise Port – Luxury Transfer: $192
- Schiphol Amsterdam Airport Private Departure Transfer: $77
- Schiphol Airport private Transfer to Amsterdam.: $147
- Schiphol Airport Transfer From Amsterdam: $117
- Schiphol Airport & Amsterdam City to Rotterdam Private Transfer: $180
- Roundtrip Transfer Schiphol - Amsterdam: $153
- Round-Trip Transfer: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City by Luxury Car: $223
- Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $341
Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Amsterdam?
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Arusha 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 dayArusha $43Amsterdam $94
Typical Food Prices in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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A Quick Lunch (for 2)$2.23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Tanzania Cooking Class & Food Market Tour: $43
- NGO Lifted Strong - Traditional Tanzanian Cooking Class: $50
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea$7.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
- Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
- Bike Rental and Dinner or Lunch: $52
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
- 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $63
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
- Bens Local Food Tour - 8 Tastings: $78
- Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
- Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $94
- Dutch Food Tour with local guide: $94
- Amsterdam-West Food Tour with local guide: $102
- Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $107
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Arusha $47Amsterdam $44
Tours and Activities in Arusha
For Arusha, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Arusha Guided Walking City Tour: Culture, History & Local Markets: $20
- Discover Arusha's Soul: A Guided Walking City Tour. Learn & Live.: $25
- Street Food and Community Walking Tour: $30
- Arusha Waterfalls,Coffee farm Tour & Swing(all inclusive): $30
- Microfinance family farm tour - all proceeds to charity: $35
- Hidden Arusha Village, Waterfall & Coffee Tour (All-Inclusive): $40
- Mountain Bike Tour of the Foothills of Mount Meru: $40
- Lake Duluti Luxury Canoe Tour: $50
- Private Walking Tour with Giraffes: $55
- Arusha city tour and Pickup: $55
- Coffee tour and Buffet Lunch with Kingstone Asilia (Arusha): $55
- Materuni Waterfall, Chemka Hot Spring and Traditional Coffee Tour: $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum$7.04
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House$20
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Tour - Small Group: $88
- Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $6.45
- 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour : $120
- 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $120
- 19th Century Amsterdam Guided Private Bike Tour : $277
- 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $234
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of the Highlights of Amsterdam: $183
- 2-Hour Private Anne Frank Walking Tour with Drink: $158
- 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $54
- 3 Countries in 1 Day: Cologne & Antwerp Day Tour from Amsterdam: $239
- 3h countryside tour on sidecar motorcycle: $240
- 4Hrs with a Local in Full Private & Personalized Tour.: $289
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayArusha $11Amsterdam $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
- City Centre Bar Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $30
- Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings : $78
- New Year's Eve Pub Crawl With Optional Club Entrance: $84
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arusha and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Arusha much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Arusha is in Africa and Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Arusha would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arusha 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Arusha.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arusha Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Arusha or Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Arusha. When comparing the sizes of Arusha and Amsterdam, 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.