Cost of Living in Arusha
How much does it cost to visit Arusha? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Joshua Earle / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
TZS 70000
per day
Weekly: TZS 490000
Monthly: TZS 2100000
Examples
- 🏨Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha (standard room)TZS 50000
- 🍽️Local "kibanda" for Ugali and stewTZS 10000
- 🚌Dala dala rides within Arusha townTZS 5000
- 🎟️Visit the Arusha Declaration Museum and Central MarketTZS 5000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
TZS 200000
per day
Weekly: TZS 1400000
Monthly: TZS 6000000
Examples
- 🏨Mount Meru Hotel (standard room)TZS 120000
- 🍽️Lunch at The African Tulip RestaurantTZS 30000
- 🚌Taxi for half a day exploring ArushaTZS 30000
- 🎟️Visit the Shanga Foundation and enjoy a coffeeTZS 20000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
TZS 500000
per day
Weekly: TZS 3500000
Monthly: TZS 15000000
Examples
- 🏨Arusha Coffee Lodge (plantation suite)TZS 350000
- 🍽️Dinner at Georges RestaurantTZS 100000
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayTZS 40000
- 🎟️Guided tour of the Arusha Coffee Lodge plantation and tastingTZS 10000
Cost by Category
accommodation
20000-80000 TZS
food
15000-50000 TZS
Transport
5000-20000 TZS
activities
30000-100000 TZS
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha Central Business District | Mid-range | at center | first-timers, foodies |
| Kijenge | Budget | slightly cheaper | families, couples |
| Mianzini | Budget | cheaper | foodies, budget |
Money-Saving Tips for Arusha
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Arusha Costs
How much does it cost to visit Arusha?
Budget travellers can visit Arusha for around TZS 70000/day (TZS 490000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget TZS 200000/day, while luxury travel costs around TZS 500000/day.
Is Arusha expensive?
Arusha is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least TZS 70000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Arusha?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Arusha, budget TZS 200000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Arusha?
Budget travellers in Arusha can get by on TZS 70000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.