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

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Should you visit Nairobi or Beijing?

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 Beijing 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 Beijing?

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.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Beijing 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
    Beijing Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nairobi $67
    Beijing $96

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $96. 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 Beijing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Beijing $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Beijing $84
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Beijing

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Beijing? 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 Beijing


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 Beijing Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Beijing $8.22
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:

  • Airport Transfer (one Way): $80
  • Airport Transfer in Nairobi- JKIA: $30
  • Airport Transfers: $40
  • Airport Transfers In Nairobi: $50
  • Airport Transfers In Nairobi City: $67
  • Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $28
  • Airport Transfers in Nairobi City: $70
  • Airport transfer; NBO to nairobi hotels: $27
  • Airport transfers: $180
  • Airport transfers in Nairobi: $60
  • From JKIA Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax max): $35
  • From Wilson Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax): $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

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


  • Taxi
    $5.02
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $7.35
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.83
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.35
  • Metro
    $0.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! : $25
  • VIP Mutianyu Great Wall Tour: Expert Guide & Private Transfer: $87
  • Universal Beijing Resort Private Transfer one way, City/Airport: $45
  • Universal Beijing Resort 1 Day Ticket with Optional Transfer: $149
  • Transfers to Jinshanling Great Wall with professional driver: $95
  • Transfer: Beijing City Center to Beijing Airport (PEK): $41
  • Tianjin Port Private transfers to Beijing Hotel&optionals: $219
  • Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing Capital Airport by private transfer: $148
  • Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing Daxing Airport by Private Transfer: $148
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Beijing International Airport: $153
  • Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $249
  • Sunrise Private Transfer to Jinshanling Great Wall+Hiking 6km: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Beijing?

Prices for flights to both Beijing 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
    Beijing $36
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 Beijing

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


  • Popcorn
    $0.88
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $7.35
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.94
  • Watermelon
    $2.06
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $18
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

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

  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $25
  • Beijing Dumpling Cooking Class Private Courtyard Cafe: $40
  • Beijing Food Tour: $40
  • Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
  • Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
  • 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
  • Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
  • China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
  • Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Beijing $26
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 Beijing

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


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.83
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $63
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $10
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $18
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $18
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $12

Tours and Activities in Beijing

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

  • 1-Day Beijing Private Tour to Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall: $150
  • 1-Day Beijing Private Tour to Lama Temple,Summer Palace and Hutong Rickshaw: $120
  • 1-Day Beijing Private Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong Rickshaw Riding: $277
  • 1-Day Beijing tour to Temple of Heaven,Hutong Tour,Lama Temple & Summer Palace: $240
  • 1-Day Great Wall of China Tours from Beijing Capital Airport to Mutianyu: $269
  • 1-Day Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Irrigation System Tour: $175
  • 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
  • 1-Day Private Tour: Huanghuacheng Great Wall Hiking with the lunch from Beijing: $213
  • 1-Day Private Tour: Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour from Beijing: $256
  • 1-Day Self-Guided Simatai and Gubei Town Night Tour from Beijing: $149
  • 1Day Beijing Palace Museum City park Tour: $120
  • 2 Day Private Xian Tour from Beijing: $268

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Beijing $12

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 Beijing

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

  • Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $138
  • 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
  • Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199

How are these travel costs calculated?

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


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Beijing?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nairobi. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Beijing, 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.
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