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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London or Nairobi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $61, while the average daily cost in London is $238. 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 $11
    London $154
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $22
    London $308
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 $10
    London $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $9.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi

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

  • From 7-Day Kenya Safari Trip with Meals & Transfer: $1,800
  • Nairobi Airport: 1-Way Transfer to Maasai Mara Reserve: $495
  • Nairobi Airport: 1-Way Transfer to Maasai Mara Reserve: $495
  • Transport from Nairobi transfer Masai Mara gates Sekekani Talek: $250
  • Mercedes Viano Private Transfer Luxury Comfort Nairobi : $250
  • Private Sightseeing Tour in Lake Nakuru with Transfer Included: $189
  • Private Transfers from Nairobi Airport to Hotels: $170
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or city To Maasai Mara By Road: $135
  • Private Departure Transfer in Nairobi: $115
  • Nairobi Airports Private Transfers: $100
  • Nairobi National Park Game Drive and Transfer: $85
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO): $83

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $18
  • Heathrow Express
    $23
  • Luggage Storage
    $10
  • London Map
    $1.62
  • Oyster Card
    $45
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $27
  • Oyster Card
    $34

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: $69
  • Windsor Castle - Private Transfer - Pickup & Return: $292
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter with return transfers: $126
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Bus Transfers: $149
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in London HTL - APT (LGW,STN): $135
  • Transfer in private car from Central London - London Airport (LGW): $96
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from London City Center- to Gatwick Airport (LGW): $115
  • Transfer in Private MPV from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Central London: $115
  • Transfer from London City Airport To Central London: $197
  • Transfer from Heathrow Airport LHR to Central London by Sedan: $92
  • Transfer from Central London To Heathrow Airport: $212
  • Transfer London to Southampton Cruise Terminal (extra luggage): $89

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 $7.35
    London $43
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $4.92

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
  • Carnivore Restaurant Dinner Experience.: $32
  • Nairobi:Carnivore Restaurant Dinner and Pub Crawling.: $47
  • Local Market Tour and Traditional Meal Cooking Class: $48
  • Enjoy Traditional Kenyan Food Cooking Class With a Host.: $54
  • Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour : $55
  • Nairobi Private Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class with Lunch: $55
  • Nairobi Cooking and Food Tasting Activity: $60
  • Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
  • Cooking Lesson of Local Food $ Lunch: $68
  • Carnivore Resturant Dinner Experience : $68
  • Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $80

Typical Food Prices in London

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


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $16
  • Tea
    $7.53
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $49
  • Morning Tea
    $7.97
  • Pastry
    $6.27
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $23

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 Self-guided food tour: $5.76
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • Picadilly Circus: Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner: $36
  • Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
  • Traveling Spoon Nepalese Momos Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Pizza Making Cookery Class: $53
  • No Diet Club - Best food Tour in East London: $68
  • African & Caribbean Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Brixton: $74
  • Borough Bites, The London Food Tour: $74
  • Borough Market Flavors of London Food Tour: $74
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $88
  • Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $45
    London $41
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:

  • Amboseli Day tour from Nairobi Private tour: $290
  • Day Tour Amboseli Park From Nairobi: $180
  • Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour: $95
  • Half day tour to Elephant orphanage & Giraffe Centre Nairobi: $95
  • Nairobi National Park Group Joining Daily Tour: $138
  • Nairobi park Tour 6.A.M-11.AM: $70
  • Private Full Day Safari Adventure at Nairobi National Park : $250
  • The 42 Stories -Kenya Culture and Walk Experience with a Local: $36
  • half Day TOURS/NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK/ELEPHANT & GIRAFFE CENTRE: $90
  • "Nairobi's Ultimate Wildlife & Cultural Adventure: $40
  • (Free Pickup) Nairobi National Park Game Drive-Half Day Tour: $44
  • 1 Day Hiking Adventure At Mt Longonot From Nairobi(minimum 2 Pax): $225

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
    $104
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $43
  • London Pass
    $59
  • Comedy Show
    $10

Tours and Activities in London

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

  • An Evening in London. Panoramic night Tour by Executive Luxury Vehicle: $229
  • Boogie Shoes Christmas Silent Disco Walking Tours London : $32
  • Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tour Camden: $64
  • Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours Christmas Special: $32
  • David Bowie "Golden Years" Walking Tour of Brixton & Soho: $32
  • Little Venice and Camden Walking Tour: $95
  • London Covent Garden: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.27
  • Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $45
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Medieval Legends, ghosts and fire: $10
  • Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $44
  • The London Dungeon Admission Ticket: $37
  • 'Downton Abbey' TV Locations and Blenheim Palace Tour from London: $221

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $15
    London $19

Sample the Local Flavors in London

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

  • Self Guided Audio Tour in London Old Pub Crawl: $7.63
  • Fun London Pub Crawl Treasure Hunt with 20% off ALL drinks!: $13
  • 2-Hour Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $20
  • Haunted London Pub Walking Tour: $20
  • 1 Big Night Out Weekday Pub Crawl: $24
  • Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting of 4 Beers: $25
  • Shoreditch Pub Crawl in London: $25
  • Guided Historic Pub Tour (London): $27
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $29
  • Camden Pub Crawl & Bar Tour London: $31
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $31
  • Burlesque Cabaret Show in Covent Garden: $31

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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