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

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Should you visit Nairobi or London?

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 London 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 London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London or Nairobi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nairobi Prices
    Kenya Prices
    London Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nairobi $68
    London $292

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $68, while the average daily cost in London is $292. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    London $168
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    London $336
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and London

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or London? 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 London


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 London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    London $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $9.27

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
  • Airport transfers: $180
  • Private Transfer in Nairobi: $180
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or City to Mara by road: $135
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $20
  • Heathrow Express
    $24
  • Luggage Storage
    $11
  • London Map
    $1.74
  • Oyster Card
    $48
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $29
  • Oyster Card
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

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

  • Windsor Castle to/from Central London | Private Transfers: $74
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in London HTL-APT (LHR): $141
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in London APT-HTL (LHR): $141
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London HTL - APT (LGW,STN): $162
  • Transfer to/from London Gatwick Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $487
  • Transfer to/ from London Heathrow Airport to Central London: $221
  • Transfer to/ from Dover Cruise port to Central London: $504
  • Transfer from London to Gatwick Airport: $185
  • Transfer from London City Center to London Airport (LCY): $63
  • Transfer from London City Airport to Central London: $161
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London or London to Heathrow: $171
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport to London hotel on private car: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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
    London $80
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:

  • 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 London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $17
  • Tea
    $8.07
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $53
  • Morning Tea
    $8.54
  • Pastry
    $6.73
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Borough Market Food Tour - Self Guided: $6.95
  • London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $42
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $43
  • Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $48
  • The English Food You Don't Expect Food Tour of London: $68
  • Peruvian Fusion Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $88
  • Authentic Japanese Cooking Class in North London Home: $93
  • Japanese Izakaya Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $116
  • London Borough Market and London Bridge Food Tour: $117
  • Winner 2026 London East End Food Tour: 10 Year Anniversary: $118
  • Indian Cooking Masterclass with Market Tour: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    London $44
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
  • 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 London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $111
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $46
  • London Pass
    $63
  • Comedy Show
    $11

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • 'Cutty Sark' Entrance Ticket: $32
  • 10 Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $48
  • 2 Day London Hop-On Hop-Off River Thames Sightseeing Pass: $63
  • 2 hour British Museum Highlights Private Guided Tour: $259
  • 2-Hour Jack the Ripper Small Group Walking Tour in London: $23
  • 3 Hour London Landmarks Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: $26
  • 3 Hour Private Downton Abbey London Locations Walking Tour: $259
  • 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour and Tasting Experience in Camden: $34
  • 3 hour Self Guided Canoe Adventures on the Thames: $75
  • 3-Hour Historic Pub Experience in London: $80
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of East London Graffiti & Street Art: $245
  • 4-Hour London Main Attractions and Tourist Sights Tour: $203

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    London $20

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

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • An Epic Bar Crawl in London United Kingdom: $15
  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $19
  • London Pub Crawl: $29
  • London Historic Pub Tour: Fleet Street Taverns, Small Group: $31
  • London PUB CRAWL Shots Pints & Good Times: $34
  • The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl: $34
  • Potter Pub Tour for Muggles: London: $44
  • Gay Soho Pub Crawl Discover the Heart of LGBTQ London: $48
  • Historic London Pub Tour: $54
  • North London Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Pub Crawl and Sing along London Experience: $80
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $80

How are these travel costs calculated?

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


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or London?

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