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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesAnchorage Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $67Anchorage $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 personNairobi $12Anchorage $117
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Anchorage $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.
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 $11Anchorage $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
-
Taxi from Airport$9.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- NBO Airport Private Transfer to/from Nairobi City Center: $8.85
- Safe and Private Airport transfer in Nairobi: $20
- Private Airport Transfers To or From Nairobi Airports.: $25
- Airport transfer; NBO to nairobi hotels: $27
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Mwashi Airport Transfer & Taxi: $27
- Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $28
- Private One-Way Nairobi Airport Transfer: $29
- Wilson Airport Private Transfer to Nairobi hotels or Airport: $30
- Professional Airport Transfer Service in Nairobi: $33
- From JKIA Airport Nairobi Private Transfer in a Car 3 Pax Max: $35
- Nairobi Airport Transfers to Wilson Airport and Hotels: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $247
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- 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 Direct Transfer Tour: $80
- Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Transfer with Wildlife: $190
- Anchorage to Seward Shared Bus Transfer Service: $75
- Anchorage to Seward Direct Transfer Tour: $89
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 dayNairobi $13Anchorage $87
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner for Two$5.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Carnivore Restaurant: Lunch or Dinner Experience in Nairobi: $21
- Kenyan Cooking Class & Authentic Dining Experience with a Local: $40
- Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $55
- Popular Kenyan Food Cooking Class and Local Market Experience: $60
- Carnivore restaurant Dinner or lunch from Nairobi: $65
- Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
- Carnivore Resturant Dinner Experience: $68
- Dinner Experience with Cat Show at Safari Park Hotel: $90
- Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $97
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $98
- Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
- Traditional Kikuyu Cooking Class In My Village: $100
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 $46Anchorage $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
- Nairobi Matatu Culture Experience: $18
- Nairobi City Tour +Pickup: $19
- Nairobi Walking City Tour +pick-up: $20
- Nairobi’s ultimate Walking City Tour with Hotel pickup: $20
- Kibera Chocolate City Tour: $22
- Nairobi City Walk Tour +pickup: $22
- Nairobi Green Bus City Sightseeing Tour 4 Hours: $23
- Giraffe Center Karen Blixen and Kobe Beads Day Tour: $25
- Discover Nairobi City with Student Led Walking Tour: $25
- Nairobi City Tour: $25
- Nairobi Cultural Shopping Experience: $26
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:
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $7,599
- Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour: $50
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center & Turnagain Arm Tour: $149
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $122
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $122
- Alaska: Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park 5 Day Adventure: $2,599
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
- Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour: $25
- Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
- Anchorage Winter Wonderland Photo Tour: $189
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Anchorage $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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.