Which place is cheaper, Boquete 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 Boquete?
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 Boquete 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 Boquete?
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.
Boquete
Boquete is a village located in the pacific west of Panama. This town very recently became an attractive destination for tourists and expatriates. Before the early 2000's, it was a quiet town hidden away in the mountains with very little tourism. After the development of Valle Escondido, which is a largely residential area, many North Americans flocked to this town and an expat community developed. Boquete is known for it's near perfect year round temperature of about seventy degrees Fahrenheit, beautiful untouched nature, and world renowned coffee.
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 Panama City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City.
-
Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesBoquete Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $67Boquete $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Boquete is $67. 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 Boquete in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12Boquete $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Boquete $46
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Boquete
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Boquete? 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 Boquete Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11Boquete $5.22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
-
Taxi from Airport$9.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Secure, private & exclusive Airport Transfers in Nairobi Kenya: $20
- Safe and Private Airport transfer in Nairobi: $20
- Airport transfer; NBO to nairobi hotels: $27
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Mwashi Airport Transfer & Taxi: $27
- Nairobi Airport Transfers to Wilson Airport or City Hotels: $28
- Private One-Way Nairobi Airport Transfer: $29
- Nairobi Airport One Way Transfers: $30
- Beyond Boundaries Tours and Transfers: $30
- Private Transfer from Nairobi to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO): $31
- 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 Boquete
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boquete:
- Private transfer from Boquete to Bocas del Toro: $200
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Boquete?
Prices for flights to both Boquete 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 $13Boquete $32
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:
- Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $60
- Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
- Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $97
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $98
- Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers: $100
- Authentic Local Kenyan Food Tour: $108
- Carnivore Restaurant Dinner Experience in Nairobi: $120
- BBQ Dinner & Cat Dancers Experience at Safari Park Hotel: $125
- Nairobi Nightlife and Safari Park Hotel Dinner Experience: $125
- Safari Park Hotel Cat Dance and Dinner Experience: $125
- Dinner/Lunch Eating Experience Carnivore Restaurant and Transport: $125
- Carnivore Restaurant Dinner Experience in Nairobi: $125
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46Boquete $17
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:
- Nairobi Heritage Tour with Key Landmarks: $10
- Ankara Fabric Shopping and Same Day Tailoring Experience: $17
- Nairobi Matatu Culture Experience: $18
- Nairobi city walking tour with a local Guide +pick up: $19
- Nairobi City Tour +Pickup: $19
- Nairobi’s ultimate Walking City Tour with Hotel pickup: $20
- Nairobi City Walk Tour +pickup: $22
- Kibera Chocolate City Tour: $22
- Kibera Slum Compassionate Walking Experience 3 Hours: $23
- Discover Nairobi City with Student Led Walking Tour: $25
- Giraffe Center Karen Blixen and Kobe Beads Day Tour: $25
- Kibera Slum Tour with Hillary: $25
Tours and Activities in Boquete
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boquete are as follows:
- Ancestral Coffee Experience in Boquete: $55
- Boquete Adventure - E-Bike Tour (2 hrs.) (2 Person Min.): $58
- Boquete Geisha Coffee Plantation Tour with Guided Tasting: $47
- Boquete Panoramic Tour: $200
- Boquete Rock climbing tour: $80
- Chasing Waterfalls Adventure in Boquete: $100
- Coffee Tasting Experience Los Molinos Hotel Panama's Top Product: $25
- Dirtbike adventure in Boquete (half day): $200
- Epic Cloud Forest Horseback Riding Adventure in Boquete: $55
- Family experience in boiler Thermal wells and limestone: $65
- Fun Adventure at Finca CreaDora Cafe and Animals and Hiking: $35
- Guided Market Tour with Sensory Coffee Tasting Boquete: $48
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Boquete $4.45
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
When comparing the travel costs between Nairobi and Boquete, we can see that Nairobi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nairobi is in Africa and Boquete is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nairobi Expensive? and Is Boquete Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Boquete?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 450 times larger than the population of Boquete. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Boquete, 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.