A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arusha vs. London for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Arusha or London?

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 London 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 London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Tanzania, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London or Arusha?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $201, while the average daily cost in London is $295. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arusha $134
    London $171
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arusha $268
    London $342
Compare Hotels in Arusha and London

Looking for a hotel in Arusha or London? 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.

Hotels in Arusha


Hotels in London


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 London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arusha $14
    London $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha

Also for Arusha, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA): $161
  • Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha City Private Transfer: $120
  • Kilimanjaro Airport Pick Up & Drop Off | Private Transfer Service: $77
  • Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to Moshi: $65
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer: $60
  • Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Private Transfer: $59
  • Arusha Airport & Hotel Transfers: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    $20
  • Heathrow Express
    $25
  • Luggage Storage
    $11
  • London Map
    $1.76
  • Oyster Card
    $49
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $29
  • Oyster Card
    $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Windsor Castle to/from Central London | Private Transfers: $74
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter with return transfers: $124
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in London HTL-APT (LHR): $102
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London HTL-APT (STN,LCY): $90
  • Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $489
  • Transfer to/ from London Heathrow Airport to Central London: $199
  • Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $507
  • Transfer to the Cruise ports from your London accommodation: $110
  • Transfer from London to Stratford upon Avon: $108
  • Transfer from London City Center to London Airport (LCY): $64
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London: $164
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport LHR to Central London by Sedan: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Arusha $43
    London $81
Typical Food Prices in Arusha

For Arusha, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • 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 London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $18
  • Tea
    $8.18
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $53
  • Morning Tea
    $8.66
  • Pastry
    $6.82
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $48
  • Tasting History: A Choose Your Own Menu Food Tour: $49
  • Pizza and Beer Bus Experience: $67
  • London Soho & Covent Garden Food Tour by Do Eat Better : $79
  • International Stand Up Show & Monmouth K. Dinner in Covent Garden: $89
  • Borough Market Christmas Food Tour with Tea and Doughnuts: $96
  • Private South Indian Home Cooking Experience in Orpington: $105
  • Devour Borough Market & Leadenhall Food Tour with Wine: $115
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $117
  • Hungry for Soho: London's Finest Food Tour: $122
  • Eating London East End Food Tour: $122
  • London Cheese Chocolate and Christmas Lights Food Tour: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arusha $47
    London $44

Tours and Activities in Arusha

For Arusha, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Arusha National Park Guided Day Tour From Arusha: $290
  • Marangu waterfall & Coffee making Cultural Tour | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD : $150
  • Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee making Cultural Tour | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS LTD : $167
  • Materuni Waterfalls, Visiting Chagga Village, CoffeeTour Kikuletwa Hotsprings: $100
  • 1 Day Tour Hot Spring (Majimoto): $80
  • 2 Day Mount Meru Private Camping Tour from Arusha: $200
  • A Day at Materuni Waterfalls and Coffee Tour in Mt Kilimanjaro : $160
  • Amazing Lake Duluti Day Trip Experience: $70
  • Arusha African Shopping Tour: $100
  • Arusha City town tour: $101
  • Arusha Full Day Tour to Waterfall and Coffee Tour: $140
  • Arusha Guided Walking City Tour: Culture, History & Local Markets: $20

Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $113
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $47
  • London Pass
    $64
  • Comedy Show
    $11

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • Experience Fitzrovia Comedy Club in London: $6.85
  • Greenwich, Real-world Adventure Game: $21
  • London King's Cross Walking Tour: Homelessness Revisited: $30
  • Londons Treasures Guided Tour of the British Museum: $103
  • Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $40
  • Rock 'n' Roll Soho - a Walking Tour: $29
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $40
  • 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $32
  • 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $48
  • 2 Hour Big Ben to Borough Market Walking Tour: $41
  • 2 Hour Private Rock & Roll Tour London: $295
  • 2 Hours History Walking Tour of The Secret Streets in Chelsea : $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arusha $11
    London $21

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $16
  • London Pub Tour: $27
  • London Pub Crawl: $29
  • Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery Tour and Cocktail: $30
  • Camden Pub Crawl in London: $34
  • The Great East London Pub Crawl!: $34
  • Small Group Covent Garden Historic Pub Tour in London: $34
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
  • Small Group Historical Pub Tour, Beer Included: $60
  • East End Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Brixton Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Devour London Historical Pub Tour:Traditional British Food & Ales: $95


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arusha and London, we can see that London 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 London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Arusha or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arusha. When comparing the sizes of Arusha and London, 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.