Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Nairobi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nairobi or Darwin?
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 Darwin 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesDarwin Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $68Darwin $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $68, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $149. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12Darwin $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Darwin $134
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Darwin? 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 Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11Darwin $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
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Taxi from Airport$9.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer in Nairobi Kenya: $20
- Safe and Private Airport transfer in Nairobi: $20
- Private Airport Transfers To or From Nairobi Airports.: $25
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Mwashi Airport Transfer & Taxi: $27
- Nairobi Airport One Way Private Transfer: $27
- Beyond Boundaries Tours and Transfers: $30
- From Wilson Airport Nairobi Private Transfer in a Car 3 Pax: $30
- Safe Private Airport transfer in Nairobi: $30
- Nairobi Airport One Way Transfers: $30
- Professional Airport Transfer Service in Nairobi: $33
- From JKIA Airport Nairobi Private Transfer in a Car 3 Pax Max: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise with Darwin Transfer Bus: $88
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $85
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $85
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $85
- DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $99
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $198
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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
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Food Meals for one dayNairobi $13Darwin $69
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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
- Popular Kenyan Food Cooking Class and Local Market Experience: $60
- Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
- Private Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $76
- Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
- Dinner Experience with Cat Show at Safari Park Hotel: $90
- Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $97
- The Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with transport: $97
- Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
- Nairobi National Park Afternoon Game Drive/ Dinner Carnivore Restaurant: $100
- Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $111
- Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $112
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $112
- Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $132
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $136
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $136
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46Darwin $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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
- Kibera Slum Cultural and Community Walking Tour: $15
- Ankara Fabric Shopping and Same Day Tailoring Experience: $17
- Nairobi Matatu Culture Experience: $18
- Nairobi City Tour +Pickup: $19
- Nairobi Walking City Tour +pick-up: $20
- Kibera Community Tour with Local Guide MC Dawn: $20
- Nairobi City Walk Tour +pickup: $22
- Nairobi History and Modern Culture Walking Tour: $22
- Kibera Chocolate City Tour: $22
- Kibera Slum Compassionate Walking Experience 3 Hours: $23
- Cultural Discovery Tour of Unfiltered Mathare: $24
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $39
- Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $43
- Berry Springs + Crocodile Cruise: $129
- Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours: $104
- Corroboree Billabong 2.5 hour Lunch Cruise: $83
- Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 1.5 hour Morning cruise: $54
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Darwin Harbour Gaze and Graze Sunset Cruise: $93
- Darwin Harbour Territory Explorer Cruise with Lunch: $63
- Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $35
- Darwin Shore Excursion: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $35
- Darwin and Crocodile Tour: $529
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Darwin $14
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$17
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Glass of Wine$4.92
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Darwin?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Darwin, 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.