Should you visit Nairobi or Florence?
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 Florence 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 Florence?
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.
Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
Which place is cheaper, Florence 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 $68, while the average daily cost in Florence is $209. 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 Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Florence? 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
Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli:
$200
-
Private Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli national park:
$197
-
Private Transfer in Nairobi:
$180
-
Airport transfers:
$180
-
Private Arrival Transfer in Nairobi:
$115
-
Private Shuttle Van Transfer:
$100
-
Nairobi Airports Private Transfers:
$100
-
Private Transfers from Nairobi Airport to Hotels:
$100
-
Nairobi National Park Tour with Game Drive and Transfer:
$95
-
Airport Transfer (one Way):
$80
-
Private Transfer to Naivasha from Nairobi:
$80
-
Airport Transfers In Nairobi City:
$67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Transfers to and from Florence airport:
$105
-
Transfer from Florence to Arezzo with a stop at The Mall Outlet:
$177
-
Transfer Florence to Pisa:
$224
-
Transfer Florence - Bologna with stop at the Barberino Outlet:
$153
-
Private transfer from Florence to Massa with private driver:
$277
-
Private transfer Florence Airport / Hotel Florence:
$189
-
Private transfer Firenze - Pisa with stop in Volterra:
$165
-
Private Transfer from your Hotel in Florence to the Airport:
$64
-
Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport:
$246
-
Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence:
$55
-
Private Transfer from Hotels in Florence to the Pisa Airport:
$218
-
Private Transfer from Florence city centre to Florence Airport:
$132
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence 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
Florence $72
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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
-
Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$55
-
Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo:
$65
-
Cooking Lesson of Local Food $ Lunch:
$68
-
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
-
Private Market Tour and Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local:
$98
-
Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner:
$100
-
Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi:
$100
-
Traditional Kikuyu Cooking Class In My Village:
$100
-
Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner:
$120
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
-
Panini Sandwich
$7.56
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)
$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Italian Cooking Class Fresh Pasta and Traditional Tiramisu:
$22
-
Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine:
$29
-
Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing:
$34
-
Pasta Cooking Class for Families & Wine and Soft Drinks:
$34
-
Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Lunch or Dinner:
$35
-
Florence Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine:
$35
-
The Italian Way: Pizza and Gelato Class with Unlimited Wine:
$44
-
Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours:
$45
-
Florence's Food Tour with Authentic Local Tastigs and Sightseeing:
$50
-
Florence Street Food Tour with Walking Sightseeing and Local Guide:
$50
-
Florence Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine:
$53
-
Florence Food Tour with Local Guide and City Highlights:
$53
Entertainment
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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 Hiking Adventure At Mt Longonot From Nairobi(minimum 2 Pax):
$225
-
1 Day Pure Adrenaline Adventure with Kenyan BBQ Lunch Experience:
$200
-
2 Days 1 Night Amboseli National Park With Masai Village Tour:
$280
-
2 Days Tour :Mt.Longonot Hiking TOUR &Hells Gate Bicycle Riding:
$200
-
2-Hour Private Kibera Slum Guided Tour:
$90
-
3 Days 2 Nights Maasai Mara Group Tour with 4x4 Jeep:
$210
-
3 Days 2 Nights Masai Mara Safari Witness the Jungle Experience:
$270
-
3 Days 8th Wonder Of The World with Maasai Mara Great Tour:
$242
-
3 Days Maasai Mara Group Safari on 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep:
$295
-
3 Days Maasai Mara Small Group Safari in a 4 x4 Land Cruiser Jeep:
$220
-
3 Days Masai Mara Budget Camping Safari on 4X4 Land Cruiser:
$285
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Admission to Uffizi
$13
-
Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
$4.65
-
Firenze Card (for Two)
$116
-
Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
$23
-
Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
$6.98
-
Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
$8.15
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
-
"Chianti Segreto: Winter Tour Wines and Tuscan Lunch.":
$195
-
1-Hour Mythological Tour in Piazza della Signoria: Experience for Children:
$53
-
2 hours sunset walking tour:
$224
-
2-Hour Private Evening Walking Guided Tour of Florence Culture:
$189
-
2-Hour Private Walking Tour with Local Guides in Florence:
$128
-
2-Hours Walking Tour in Florence:
$177
-
4 WINES TASTING in a Chianti Classico Farm (Visit/tour at the winery included):
$33
-
4 Wines Tasting with 2 Tuscan Cheeses & Tour at the winery:
$44
-
A Walking Tour in Florence Unveiled + Ebook:
$130
-
A day in the life of Florence - Private tour with a local:
$262
-
Academia Gallery Skip-the-Line Priority Entrance Tickets:
$50
-
Academia Gallery VIP Private Guided Tour with 5 Star EXPERT:
$177
Alcohol
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 Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
-
Glass of Chianti
$4.89
-
Bottle of Wine
$8.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Authentic Tuscan Wine Tasting Experience:
$18
-
Classic Wine Tasting by Carus Wines:
$24
-
Super Tuscan Wine Tour by Carus Vini:
$29
-
Florence Nightlife Pub Crawl 3 Bars and 1 Club with Games:
$29
-
Wine Tasting Experience near Florence:
$29
-
Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino:
$35
-
Wine Tasting in an Authentic Tuscan Cellar in Radda in Chianti:
$38
-
Montefioralle Winery - Tour and Wine Tasting in Chianti:
$41
-
Wine Tasting with Cured Meats and Cheeses in Florence:
$42
-
Sip & Savor Italian Wine Tasting in the Heart of Florence:
$46
-
Wine Tasting of Brunello with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese:
$46
-
Winery tour & wine tasting in Montalcino:
$47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence is in Europe, 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Florence?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Florence, 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.
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