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

Should you visit Nairobi or Hong Kong?

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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?

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.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, and The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya.


Which place is cheaper, Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong is $183. 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 Hong Kong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Hong Kong $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Hong Kong $150
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Hong Kong

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Hong Kong? 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 Hong Kong


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 Hong Kong Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Hong Kong $8.70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $9.28

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 Private Airport transfer in Nairobi: $30
  • Safe Airport Transfer in Nairobi: $54
  • Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli: $200
  • 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 Maasai Mara Reserve: $215
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or city To Maasai Mara By Road: $135
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or City to Mara by road: $160
  • Private Road transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli: $150
  • Private Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli national park: $197

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:


  • MTR (for 2)
    $2.81
  • Local Bus
    $2.81
  • Ferry Ticket
    $0.26
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket
    $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Hong Kong?

Prices for flights to both Hong Kong 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
    Hong Kong $56
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $5.03

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
  • Karibu Kitchens Nairobi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
  • Popular Kenyan Food Cooking Class and Local Market Experience: $60
  • Carnivore restaurant Dinner or lunch from Nairobi: $65
  • Cooking Lesson of Local Food $ Lunch: $68
  • Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
  • Dinner Experience with Cat Show at Safari Park Hotel: $90
  • Nairobi Nightlife and Safari Park Hotel Dinner Experience: $90
  • The Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with transport: $97
  • Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
  • Authentic home dinner with a local Family in Nairobi: $108

Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner for 2
    $11

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Hong Kong $95
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 Hiking Adventure At Mt Longonot From Nairobi(minimum 2 Pax): $225
  • 1 Day Pure Adrenaline Adventure with Kenyan BBQ Lunch Experience: $200
  • 1 Day Tour to Amboseli Park And a Majestic Mt Kilimanjaro View: $90
  • 1 night small group tour to Hells gate and Mount Longonot: $177
  • 2 Days Amboseli Safari using a 4x4 Landcruiser jeep(with options): $105
  • 2-Hour Private Kibera Slum Guided Tour: $90
  • 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 8th Wonder Of The World with Maasai Mara Great Tour: $242
  • 3 Days Maasai Mara Camping Safari on 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep: $285
  • 3 Days Maasai Mara Group Safari on 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep: $295

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong

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


  • Peak Tram
    $7.65
  • Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
    $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Hong Kong $21

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


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Hong Kong?

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