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

Should you visit Nairobi or Marrakech?

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 Marrakech 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 Marrakech?

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.

Marrakech

Marrakech is on of the most popular travel destinations in Morocco. It is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and Rabat and is located near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains only a few hours from the Sahara Desert. It's a beautiful city that is often referred to as the "Pink City" because of the pale pink color of many of the city's buildings. These striking colors make the city particularly beautiful during the evening hours when the low sun creates a very dramatic lighting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Marrakech 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 Marrakech is $102. 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 Marrakech in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Marrakech $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Marrakech $116
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Marrakech

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Marrakech? 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 Marrakech


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 Marrakech Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Marrakech $14
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:

  • Safe and Executive Airport transfer in Nairobi: $40
  • Safe Airport Transfer in Nairobi: $54
  • Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli: $200
  • Professional Airport Transfer Service in Nairobi: $33
  • Private Transfer to Naivasha from Nairobi: $80
  • Private Transfer in Nairobi for Pax with Disability: $40
  • Private Transfer in Nairobi: $180
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or city To Maasai Mara By Road: $135
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or City to Mara by road: $135
  • Private Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli national park: $197
  • Private Airport Transfer in Nairobi Kenya: $20
  • Airport and Hotel Private Transfers.: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech

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

  • transfer: $94
  • airport transfers: $24
  • VIP Transfer Luxury Mercedes limo from Marrakech Airport Hotels: $58
  • VIP Moroccan Hammam & Relaxing Massage with Transfer - Marrakech: $116
  • Transfert de Marrakech vers Aeroport Mohamed 5 Casablanca: $130
  • Transfers from or to Marrakech Airport and Marrakech: $9.47
  • Transfers between Menara Airport and Marrakesh: $8.29
  • Transfers Marrakech to Essaouira or Essaouira to Marrakech: $72
  • Transfer from Marrakech to Imlil: Airport Transfer to Imlil - Taxi to Imlil: $71
  • Transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca airport: $30
  • Transfer from Marrakech to Casa-Airport or Casa-Airport to Marrakech: $164
  • Transfer from Marrakech city or Marrakech airport to Casablanca city: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Marrakech?

Prices for flights to both Marrakech 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
    Marrakech $29
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:

  • Karibu Kitchens Nairobi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
  • Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $55
  • Cooking Lesson of Local Food $ Lunch: $68
  • Dinner/Lunch Eating Experience Carnivore Restaurant & Transport: $75
  • Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $85
  • Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
  • BBQ Dinner & Cat Dancers Experience at Safari Park Hotel: $90
  • Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $97
  • Private Market Tour and Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $98
  • Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
  • Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers: $100
  • Nairobi National Park Afternoon Game Drive/ Dinner Carnivore Restaurant: $100

Typical Food Prices in Marrakech

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


  • Orange Juice on the Square
    $0.33
  • Breakfast
    $1.31
  • Dates
    $0.65
  • Olives
    $0.98
  • Sandwich
    $1.41
  • Souvenir Spices
    $6.75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech

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

  • Marrrakech desert tour dinner show & camel ride with sunset: $6.00
  • Morocco's Top Cooking Classes For Authentic berber Cuisine in the Atlas Mountain: $13
  • Desert Agafay Marrakech Sunset Camel Ride, Dinner Sw Hotel Pickup: $14
  • Agafay desert quad &camel ride with dinner show: $14
  • Agafay Sunset Camel Ride & Dinner Under the Stars from Marrakech: $14
  • Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride with Dinner Show: $15
  • Cooking Class in the hearth of the Atlas Mountain from Marrakech With locals: $15
  • Agafay Desert Quad & Camel Rides with Dinner Show: $17
  • Agafay Golden Hour Escape – Camel Ride & Dinner from Marrakech: $18
  • Magical Dinner in Agafay Desert with a Sunset Camel Ride: $18
  • Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride, and Dinner Show: $18
  • Agafay Sahara Sunset and Camel Ride with Dinner Show: $18

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Marrakech $11
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 Pure Adrenaline Adventure with Kenyan BBQ Lunch Experience: $200
  • 1 Day Purple Farm Tour from Nairobi Tea Tasting and Lunch: $295
  • 1 Day Tour Hiking Mt. Longonot and lake Naivasha Boat ride: $75
  • 1-Day Mount Longonot Hiking Adventure From Nairobi: $145
  • 2 Days Amboseli Safari using a 4x4 Landcruiser jeep(with options): $160
  • 2 Days Tour :Mt.Longonot Hiking TOUR &Hells Gate Bicycle Riding: $200
  • 3 Day Maasai Mara Group Joining Safari With Guided Tour: $250
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Maasai Mara Group Tour with 4x4 Jeep: $210
  • 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 Marrakech

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $2.18
  • Golf at Atlas Golf
    $62

Tours and Activities in Marrakech

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

  • "Mogador Camel Expedition Ecotour | Private & Luxury: $195
  • 1-day private tour from Marrakech to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou & Telouet: $142
  • 1-night Atlas Mountain Experience from Marrakech with Hike and Camel Ride: $130
  • 1000 & 1 Night at the Agafay Desert - White Camel Camp Experience: $275
  • 2 Day Check-out Tour from Marrakech to Zagora: $80
  • 2 Day Desert Tour From Marrakech To Zagora Marrakech Desert Tours: $150
  • 2 Day Mt. Toubkal Trekking Tour from Marrakech: $224
  • 2 Day Private Tour to Ouarzazate: $189
  • 2 Day Zagora Adventure from Marrakech Quad Biking and Camel Ride: $282
  • 2 Day Zagora Tour from Marrakech Including the Atlas Mountains, Camel Trek and Desert Camp: $272
  • 2 Day in Atlas Mountains Tour from Marrakech: $150
  • 2 Days / 1 Night Zagora Desert Tour , Group & private: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Marrakech $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Marrakech

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

  • Marrakech Nightlife Adventure: The Ultimate Pub Crawl: $25


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Marrakech, we can see that Marrakech is more expensive. And not only is Nairobi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Marrakech would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marrakech 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 Marrakech Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Marrakech?

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