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

Should you visit Nairobi or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Nairobi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $170. 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 Brisbane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Brisbane $90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Brisbane $180
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Brisbane

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Brisbane? 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 Brisbane


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 Brisbane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Brisbane $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $9.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi

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

  • Nairobi City Taste Experience with Minivan Transfer: $245
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi to Maasai Mara Reserve: $215
  • Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli: $200
  • Private Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli national park: $197
  • Airport transfers: $180
  • Private Transfer in Nairobi: $180
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or City to Mara by road: $160
  • Private Road transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli: $150
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or city To Maasai Mara By Road: $135
  • Private Departure Transfer in Nairobi: $115
  • Private Shuttle Van Transfer: $100
  • Nairobi National Park Tour with Game Drive and Transfer: $95

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

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


  • Airtrain to the City
    $11
  • Go Card
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

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

  • St. Lucia Private Airport Transfer: $120
  • Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $146
  • Secrets St Lucia Resort Private Airport Transfer and Taxi Service: $40
  • Private Transfer: Airport BNE or Brisbane City to Cruise Port: $127
  • Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $252
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $101
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane Port: $101
  • Private Transfer Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast 4-6 Passengers: $190
  • NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY): $96
  • NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Brisbane Airport (BNE): $255
  • Luxury Airport Transfer Gold Coast-Brisbane / Brisbane-Gold Coast: $65
  • From Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Brisbane?

Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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
    Brisbane $59
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:

  • 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
  • Carnivore Resturant Dinner Experience: $68
  • Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
  • Dinner Experience with Cat Show at Safari Park Hotel: $90
  • The Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with transport: $97
  • Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
  • Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers: $100
  • Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
  • Authentic home dinner with a local Family in Nairobi: $108
  • Authentic Local Kenyan Food Tour: $108

Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.76
  • Cup of Coffee
    $2.16
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $9.00
  • Ice cream
    $3.96
  • Japanese Meal
    $15
  • Smoothie
    $4.68
  • Japanese Soup
    $8.28
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $5.04
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.52
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $10
  • Bread
    $1.87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

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

  • Gold Coast: Glow Worms, Sunset & Stargazing with BBQ dinner: $118
  • Vertigo Dinner – Dining on the Edge: $165
  • Local Icons Food Tour: $354

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

  • 1 Day Bike Tour to Hell’s Gate And Lake Naivasha: $139
  • 1 Day Hell's Gate Bicycle Tour (minimum 2 Pax): $280
  • 1 Day Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate National Park Tour: $150
  • 1 Day Tour to Amboseli Park And a Majestic Mt Kilimanjaro View: $90
  • 1-Day Mount Longonot Hiking Adventure From Nairobi: $295
  • 2 Days Amboseli Safari using a 4x4 Landcruiser jeep(with options): $105
  • 3 Day Maasai Mara Shared Safari In a Land Cruiser: $220
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Maasai Mara Group Tour with 4x4 Jeep: $215
  • 3 Days Maasai Mara Camping Safari on 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep: $285
  • 3 Days Maasai Mara Small Group Safari in a 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep: $270
  • 3 Days Masai Mara Budget Camping Safari on 4X4 Land Cruiser: $285
  • 3 Days Masai Mara Budget Camping Safari on 4X4 Land Cruiser: $285

Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $14

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

  • 2 hour Brisbane Segway Afternoon & Sunset Thrill Tour: $85
  • 2.5 Hour Sightseeing Tours - Morning & Night: $105
  • 6 Hour Welcome to Brisbane Private Sightseeing Private Tour: $724
  • 6 Hours Brisbane Private Tour - Popular Sights in One Day: $724
  • Adventure Moreton Island Wrecks Adventure Package: $146
  • Adventure to Moreton Island Day Pass Experience: $109
  • Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour: $87
  • Alice In Puzzleland an Escape Hunt Brisbane Experience: $35
  • Alpaca Feeding with Wildlife & Nature Park VIP Private Tour: $959
  • Alpaca Feeding with Wildlife Nature Park Visit Private Tour: $893
  • BNE - MtTamborine All Inclusive Tour with Lunch and Tastings: $149
  • Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $205

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Brisbane $55

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $11
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $10
  • Guiness Beer
    $6.12
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

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

  • All Inclusive Wine Tour including Distillery & 2 Course Lunch: $110
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat: $116
  • Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $116
  • Full Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Brisbane: $146
  • Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $146
  • St Lucia Rum Distillery Tour With Mud Bath & Local Lunch: $165
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $165
  • Luxury Winery Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $198


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


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Brisbane?

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