Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru?
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 Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru?
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.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesJohor Bahru Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $67Johor Bahru $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $66. 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 Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12Johor Bahru $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Johor Bahru $82
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Johor Bahru? 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 Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11Johor Bahru $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$9.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- NBO Airport Private Transfer to/from Nairobi City Center: $8.85
- Secure, private & exclusive Airport Transfers in Nairobi Kenya: $20
- Safe and Private Airport transfer in Nairobi: $20
- Safe Airport Transfer in Nairobi: $22
- Seamless Nairobi Airport Transfers: $25
- Mwashi Airport Transfer & Taxi: $27
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Nairobi Airport Transfers to Wilson Airport or City Hotels: $28
- Private One-Way Nairobi Airport Transfer: $29
- Nairobi Airport One Way Transfers: $30
- Wilson Airport Private Transfer to Nairobi hotels or Airport: $30
- Professional Airport Transfer Service in Nairobi: $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- ~Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore MPV Transfer: $100
- Universal Studios Singapore Tickets with Round-trip Transfers: $116
- Singapore Universal Studio with Optional One Way Transfer: $100
- Private Transfer from Legoland (Malaysia) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): $290
- Private Transfer from Johor Bahru City Center to Singapore Hotels: $103
- Private Transfer : Johor Bharu (JB) to Kuala Lumpur (KL): $137
- Malaysia：Senai International Airport（JHB）One-Way Transfer: $80
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur International Airport One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $189
- Johor Bharu to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $275
- Johor Bahru to Mersing jetty Private Transfer: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru 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 $13Johor Bahru $16
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$5.00
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
- Kenyan Cooking Class & Authentic Dining Experience with a Local: $40
- Karibu Kitchens Nairobi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $60
- Popular Kenyan Food Cooking Class and Local Market Experience: $60
- Cooking Lesson of Local Food $ Lunch: $68
- Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
- Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $97
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $98
- Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
- Traditional Kikuyu Cooking Class In My Village: $100
- Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers: $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johor Bahru
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Johor Bahru.
- Singapore: Christmas Dinner Cruise with 7 Course XMAS Menu: $289
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46Johor Bahru $8.04
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:
- Kibera Slum Tour with a Local: $15
- Ankara Fabric Shopping and Same Day Tailoring Experience: $17
- Nairobi Matatu Culture Experience: $18
- Nairobi City Tour +Pickup: $19
- Nairobi’s ultimate Walking City Tour with Hotel pickup: $20
- Kibera Community Tour with Local Guide MC Dawn: $20
- Nairobi Walking City Tour +pick-up: $20
- Nairobi City Walk Tour +pickup: $22
- Kibera Chocolate City Tour: $22
- Kibera Slum Compassionate Walking Experience 3 Hours: $23
- Experience Nairobi Night Life Partying in the City and Beyond: $25
- Kibera Slum Tour with Hillary: $25
Tours and Activities in Johor Bahru
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:
- °15Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Johor Bahru w' Tour Guide: $149
- Adventure Cove Waterpark Admission Ticket: $39
- Adventure Cove Waterpark Sentosa Island Singapore AdmissionTicket: $31
- Adventure Cove Waterpark Tickets: $49
- Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Admission Ticket in Johor: $30
- Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Tickets: $39
- Adventure Waterpark Ticket Desaru Coast: $19
- DaVinci & The Wheel of Time - Cinematic Walkthrough VR Experience: $19
- Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $6.58
- Johor Bahru : Seadoo JetSki 30mins Self Ride Tour (Double): $86
- Johor Bahru : Seadoo JetSki 30mins Self Ride Tour(Single): $62
- Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Johor Bahru $5.25
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 comparing the travel costs between Nairobi and Johor Bahru, we can see that Nairobi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nairobi is in Africa and Johor Bahru is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nairobi Expensive? and Is Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Johor Bahru?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Johor Bahru. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Johor Bahru, 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.