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

Should you visit Nairobi or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage?

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.

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Nairobi?

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

  • Nairobi Prices
    Kenya Prices
    Anchorage Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nairobi $67
    Anchorage $228

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $228. 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 Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Anchorage? 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 Anchorage


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 Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $9.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi

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

  • Nairobi Airport Transfer, Hotel Pick up and Drop Off: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer and Service in Nairobi: $20
  • Safe and Private Airport transfer in Nairobi: $20
  • Nairobi Airport Transfers to City Hotels or Wilson Airport: $24
  • Airport transfer; NBO to nairobi hotels: $27
  • Nairobi Airport Transfers to Wilson Airport or City Hotels: $28
  • Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $28
  • Private One-Way Nairobi Airport Transfer: $29
  • From Wilson Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax): $30
  • Airport Transfer in Nairobi- JKIA: $30
  • Professional Airport Transfer Service in Nairobi: $33
  • From JKIA Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax max): $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
  • Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • Private Transfer Alaska Anchorage Airport ANC to Anchorage City: $180
  • One Way Private Transfer: $10
  • Matanuska Glacier Hike with Transfers: $329
  • Dog Sled Ride in Willow with Transfers: $289
  • ANC Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $79
  • Anchorage to Whittier: Cruise Transfer with Wildlife Tour: $199
  • Anchorage to Whittier Shared Bus Transfer Service: $69
  • Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $80
  • Anchorage to Seward Shared Bus Transfer Service: $75
  • Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer Tour with Port Drop-Off: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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 $13
    Anchorage $87
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $5.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi

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

  • Kenyan Cooking Class & Authentic Dining Experience with a Local: $40
  • Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $55
  • Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
  • Dinner/Lunch Eating Experience Carnivore Restaurant & Transport: $75
  • Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
  • Nairobi Nightlife and Safari Park Hotel Dinner Experience: $90
  • Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
  • Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
  • Nairobi National Park Afternoon Game Drive/ Dinner Carnivore Restaurant: $100
  • Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers: $100
  • Authentic home dinner with a local Family in Nairobi: $108
  • Authentic Local Kenyan Food Tour: $108

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.

  • Anchorage Sightseeing and Food Tour - Available All Year Long!: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Anchorage $30
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:

  • Fashion African Fabric & Souvenir Market Tour: $12
  • Private Tour in Kibera the Largest Slum: $15
  • Kibera Slum Tour with a Local: $15
  • Nairobi Matatu Culture Experience: $18
  • Nairobi Walking City Tour +pick-up: $20
  • Nairobi City Tour and Pickup: $20
  • Kibera Chocolate City Tour: $22
  • Nairobi History and Modern Culture Walking Tour: $22
  • Nairobi City Walk Tour +pickup: $22
  • Cultural Discovery Tour of Unfiltered Mathare: $23
  • Experience Nairobi Night Life Partying in the City and Beyond: $25
  • Giraffe Center Karen Blixen and Kobe Beads Day Tour: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
  • ATV Adventure in Eklutna Alaska: $225
  • Aerial Tram and Wildlife Center tour from Anchorage: $199
  • Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $7,599
  • Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour: $40
  • Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $122
  • Alaska Wildlife Tour: $119
  • Alaska: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day Adventure: $2,599
  • Anchorage City Tour and Highlights: $55
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
  • Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Anchorage $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Nairobi

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

  • Food and Wine Tasting Experience at Five Senses Restaurant: $155

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
  • Girdwood Views and Brews with Aerial Tram and Brewery: $209
  • Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $315


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


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Anchorage?

Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Anchorage, 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.