A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nairobi vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nairobi 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 Nairobi 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: Nairobi or Amsterdam?

Nairobi

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and 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 Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Nairobi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $61, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $190. 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 Nairobi and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $11
    Amsterdam $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $22
    Amsterdam $222
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi 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.

Hotels in Nairobi


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Nairobi Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $10
    Amsterdam $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $9.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi

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

  • Airport Transfer in Nairobi- JKIA: $35
  • Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $47
  • Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $35
  • Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $20
  • Airport Transfers within Nairobi: $30
  • Airport VIP Transfers - Nairobi Hotels : $55
  • Airport and Hotels Transfers: $40
  • Comfortable private Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $45
  • Executive Nairobi Airport One-Way Transfer: $40
  • From 7-Day Kenya Safari Trip with Meals & Transfer: $1,800
  • Mercedes Viano Private Transfer Luxury Comfort Nairobi : $250
  • Nairobi Airport One Way Private Transfer: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.48
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.83
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport : $94
  • VIP Amsterdam Airport Departure Transfer: $67
  • VIP Amsterdam Airport Arrival Transfer: $72
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Amsterdam City - Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $58
  • Taxi minibus Transfer cruise port Amsterdam to Hotel in Amsterdam: $121
  • Taxi Transfer from hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port terminal in Amsterdam: $67
  • Taxi Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam: $84
  • Schiphol: Private Transfer to Amsterdam - Travel Like a VIP: $136
  • Schiphol airport to the cruise terminal IJmuiden. Private transfer. : $74
  • Schiphol Airport Private Transfer to Antwerp: $246
  • Round-Trip Transfer: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City by Luxury Car: $196
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $315

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Nairobi 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
    Nairobi $7.36
    Amsterdam $47
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $4.93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi

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

  • Carnivore experience Lunch Or Dinner (Optional Bomas of kenya ): $40
  • Nairobi:Carnivore Restaurant Dinner and Pub Crawling.: $48
  • Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour : $54
  • Enjoy Traditional Kenyan Food Cooking Class With a Host.: $54
  • Local Market Tour and Traditional Meal Cooking Class: $54
  • Nairobi Private Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class with Lunch: $55
  • Cooking Lesson of Local Food $ Lunch: $68
  • Dinner Experience with Cat Show at Safari Park Hotel: $80
  • Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $80
  • Carnivore Dinner Experience: $80
  • The Carnivore Restaurant Experience: Lunch Or Dinner: $84
  • Barbecue Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $85

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.53

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 : $8.28
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $14
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $14
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $32
  • Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise With Pizza and Drinks: $33
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $36
  • Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $41
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $52
  • Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52
  • 3-course Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $54
  • 3 Course Dinner in the Dark: $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $45
    Amsterdam $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Village Visit
    $15

Tours and Activities in Nairobi

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

  • Ebike adventure Hire Nairobi (Electric mountain bike hire): $15
  • Nairobi cultural shopping experience: $18
  • Nairobi City;culture and historical guided tour: $19
  • Nairobi City Walking and Historic Tours: $19
  • Nairobi;Downtown walking tour: $20
  • vibrant kibera slum tour: $20
  • Nairobi City: Walking tour, story telling and travel adv: $20
  • Nairobi City tour: $25
  • Half-Day Tour Giraffe Center and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: $25
  • Nairobi city walking tour : $25
  • Nairobi City Tour: $25
  • Elephant orphanage, Giraffe center, kobe beads tour: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.53
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $19

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Amstagram Tour & Moco Experience: $54
  • Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cheese, Wine with Unlimited Drinks in Amsterdam Luxury Cruise: $55
  • Keukenhof Tulips and Zaanse Schans Windmills Private Day Tour: $276
  • 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Audio Guide: $19
  • 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of the Highlights of Amsterdam: $168
  • 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $221
  • 2-Hour Amsterdam Walking Tour: $17
  • 2-Hour Private Anne Frank Walking Tour with Drink: $146
  • 2.5-Hour Amsterdam Sightseeing Tour by Bike: $195
  • 3 Hour Self-guided Cocktail Walking Tour in Amsterdam by WOGO: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $15
    Amsterdam $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Amsterdam Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $16
  • Amsterdam Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $26
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union: $28
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $31
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $33
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
  • Red Light District Tour | Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
  • Kings Night Ultimate Party Pub Crawl: $38
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $40


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Nairobi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nairobi 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 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 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 Nairobi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nairobi Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Amsterdam?

Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi 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.