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

Should you visit Nairobi or Hoi An?

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 Hoi An 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 Hoi An?

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.

Hoi An

Located just south of the city of Da Nang, Hoi An is famous for it's beautiful old town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1999, mass tourism has grown and the city has felt the growing pains. Most of the homes and shops in the old town are now used for commercial purposes. The city is still quaint, but the old town is lined with tailor shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Foreigners are required to purchase a ticket to enter the old town of Hoi An (120,000 VND, about $5).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam.


Which place is cheaper, Hoi An 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 Hoi An is $51. 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 Hoi An in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Hoi An $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Hoi An $40
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Hoi An

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Hoi An? 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 Hoi An


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 Hoi An Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Hoi An $18
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:

  • Safe and Private Airport transfer in Nairobi: $20
  • Safe Airport Transfer in Nairobi: $54
  • Professional Airport Transfer Service in Nairobi: $33
  • Private Transfer in Nairobi for Pax with Disability: $40
  • Private Transfer in Nairobi: $180
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha: $70
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or City to Mara by road: $160
  • Private Shuttle Van Transfer: $100
  • Private Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli national park: $197
  • Private One-Way Nairobi Airport Transfer: $29
  • Private Airport Transfer and Service in Nairobi: $20
  • Airport and Hotel Private Transfers.: $59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:


  • Taxi From Danang to Hoi An
    $8.36
  • Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town
    $0.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An

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

  • Hue Private Car with Driver for Customizable Trip & Transfer: $7.09

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Hoi An?

Prices for flights to both Hoi An 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
    Hoi An $16
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 Hoi An

For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)
    $14
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $3.80
  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    $7.60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Hoi An $12
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 Hiking Adventure At Mt Longonot From Nairobi(minimum 2 Pax): $225
  • 1 Day Purple Farm Tour from Nairobi Tea Tasting and Lunch: $295
  • 1-Day Mount Longonot Hiking Adventure From Nairobi: $195
  • 3 Day Maasai Mara Group Joining Safari With Guided Tour: $250
  • 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 Shared Tour with Private Accommodation: $250
  • 3 Days Maasai Mara Small Group Safari in a 4 x4 Land Cruiser Jeep: $220
  • 3 Days and 2 Night Maasai Mara Group Safari Tour: $295
  • 3 Hour Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park Tour: $95

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Golf (for Two)
    $141
  • Short Boat Ride
    $1.52

Tours and Activities in Hoi An

For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Chan May Port: Private My Son Sanctuary & Marble Mountains Tour: $160
  • Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port: $179
  • Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City: $154
  • Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & HOI AN City: $154
  • Cruiseship Trip to GOLDEN BRIDGE & MY SON SANCTUARY from CHAN MAY orTIEN SA Port: $225
  • Cruiseship Trip to My Son Sanctuary & GOLDEN BRIDGE from TIEN SA orCHAN MAY Port: $200
  • Hoi An Experience 3 Hours Wood Carving Class with Local Artist: $47
  • Hue : Shuttle bus from Hue to Hoi An and sightseeing: $16
  • Hue-Da Nang-Hoi An Bus Tour with English Guide & Sightseeing: $22
  • Hue: Half-Day Tour with Optional Dragon Boat Perfume River: $28
  • My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $150
  • My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Hoi An $8.62

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 Hoi An

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $9.12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Hoi An, we can see that Nairobi is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nairobi is in Africa and Hoi An 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 Hoi An would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hoi An 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 Nairobi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nairobi than you might in Hoi An.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nairobi Expensive? and Is Hoi An Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Hoi An?

Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Hoi An, 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.