Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Nairobi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nairobi or San Francisco?
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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
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.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.
-
Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesSan Francisco Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $67San Francisco $251
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $251. 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 San Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12San Francisco $130
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or San Francisco? 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 San Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11San Francisco $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
-
Taxi from Airport$9.26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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: $160
- Private Shuttle Van Transfer: $100
- Nairobi Airports Private Transfers: $100
- Nairobi National Park Tour with Game Drive and Transfer: $95
- Nairobi National Park Tour with Game Drive and Transfer: $95
- Airport Transfer (one Way): $80
- Private Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha: $70
- Airport Transfers in Nairobi City: $70
- Airport Transfers In Nairobi City: $67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
-
Taxi to SFO$45
-
Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
-
Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco HTL-APT (SFO): $138
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in San Francisco APT-HTL (SFO): $138
- Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
- Sedan Airport Transfer from SFO to East Bay (one way): $262
- Silicon Valley Private Tour with Transfers: $510
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $115
- One Way Private Airport Transfer Service: $95
- San Francisco to/from Yosemite National Park: 1-Way Transfer: $164
- San Francisco to Yosemite One-Way Transfer: $164
- San Francisco to Oakland Airport (OAK) Private Departure Transfer: $75
- San Francisco Port to San Francisco Airport SFO -Private Transfer: $76
- San Francisco City: Private One-Way Transfer From/To SFO: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 dayNairobi $13San Francisco $79
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:
- Kenyan Cooking Class & Authentic Dining Experience with a Local: $40
- Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $55
- Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
- 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
- Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
- Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
- Nairobi National Park Afternoon Game Drive/ Dinner Carnivore Restaurant: $100
- Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers: $100
- Authentic home dinner with a local Family in Nairobi: $108
- Authentic Local Kenyan Food Tour: $108
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- City Cruises Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise: $75
- Mission District Street Art and Food Tour: $79
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $84
- Little Italy & Chinatown Original Food Tour: $84
- Mission District Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $84
- San Francisco : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $92
- Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 Food Tour: $99
- Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 Food Tour - Includes Full Meal, 3 hrs: $115
- SF's Chinatown: Tea & Dim Sum Food Tour - Includes full meal, 3hr: $115
- City Cruises Signature Dinner Cruise: $122
- City Cruises Premier Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $122
- Dumpling Cooking Class & Dinner Party: $135
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46San Francisco $31
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 Hiking Adventure At Mt Longonot From Nairobi(minimum 2 Pax): $225
- 1 Day Purple Farm Tour from Nairobi Tea Tasting and Lunch: $295
- 1-Day Mount Longonot Hiking Adventure From Nairobi: $195
- 3 Day Maasai Mara Group Joining Safari With Guided Tour: $250
- 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 Shared Tour with Private Accommodation: $250
- 3 Days Maasai Mara Small Group Safari in a 4 x4 Land Cruiser Jeep: $220
- 3 Days and 2 Night Maasai Mara Group Safari Tour: $295
- 3 Hour Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park Tour: $95
Tours and Activities in San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Peninsula&Carmel Premium Small Group Tour: $118
- 1HR San Francisco Chinatown and Downtown GoCar Tour: $99
- 2-Day Alcatraz Visit + San Francisco E-Bike Tour: $180
- 2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hrs- Beyond the Bridge - Marin Headlands GoCar Tour: $219
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Francisco’s Chocolate Story: $12
- A Sip and Paint Experience in San Francisco: $89
- AURA: An Immersive Experience in USA: $29
- Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise: $152
- Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise: $139
- Alcatraz Inside Access Ferry and Audio Tour with Night Option: $91
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16San Francisco $22
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 San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- #1 San Francisco Pub Crawl & Clubbing Experience: $24
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Local Distillery Cocktail Making Class: $89
- Distillery Gin Cocktail Making Class: $89
- Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour with Optional Tasting: $99
- Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $116
- From Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $116
- 5 hours private napa wine tour from san francisco up to 7 people: $120
- Napa and Sonoma Half-Day Wine Tour with Guide and Tastings: $129
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco is in North America, 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or San Francisco?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and San Francisco, 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.