Which place is cheaper, Nairobi or Arusha?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Arusha and Nairobi 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.
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.
Nairobi is Kenya's capital as well as the country's largest city. With a population of about 3 million, it is also one of the largest cities in Africa. It is a prominent city both politically and financially within the region. There are many international companies that are located in Nairobi and the Nairobi Securities and Exchange is one of the largest in Africa.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Kenya, and The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $176, while the average daily cost in Nairobi is $63. 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 Nairobi in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Arusha or Nairobi? 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.
Also for Arusha, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Nairobi 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.
For Arusha, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Arusha, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Nairobi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Arusha, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Nairobi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arusha and Nairobi, we can see that Arusha is more expensive. And not only is Nairobi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nairobi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nairobi 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 Arusha would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arusha than you might in Nairobi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Arusha Expensive? and Is Nairobi Expensive?.
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Arusha. When comparing the sizes of Arusha and Nairobi, 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.