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

Should you visit Nairobi or Santorini?

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 Santorini 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 Santorini?

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.

Santorini

Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, and The Best Budget Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Santorini 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 Santorini is $188. 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 Santorini in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $11
    Santorini $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $22
    Santorini $200
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Santorini

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Santorini? 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 Santorini


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 Santorini Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $10
    Santorini $30
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Port: $82
  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Airport: $33
  • Transfer Perissa To Oia : $46
  • Shared transfer to/from the airport/port : $74
  • Shared Transfer : $33
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Santorini Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $22
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Santorini Airport to Hotel or Cruise Port: $27
  • Shared Arrival Transfer from Airport or Port to Oia Village: $55
  • Wine Tasting Tour to 3 Wineries with Transfer: $116
  • Transfer from Santorini Port to Oia (IA): $32
  • Private Transfers To/From Airport, Port & Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Airport/Port: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Santorini?

Prices for flights to both Santorini 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
    Santorini $51
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $55
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $81
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $85
  • Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $87
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $97
  • Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $108
  • Santorini Volcano Sunset Cruise Including Dinner on Board: $108
  • The Aegean Cooking Class: $109
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $124

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $45
    Santorini $39
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

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $62
  • Santorini Private Half Day Tour : $218
  • 2-Day Santorini Bus Tour with Volcanic Cruise: $109
  • 3 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $74
  • 3 Hour Tour in Oia: $120
  • 3 Hours Private Santorini Tour: $137
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
  • 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $296
  • 4 hours Private Half Day Tour in Santorini Island: $175
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $197
  • 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $162
  • 5 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $111

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $15
    Santorini $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $63
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $76
  • 2 Hours Private Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini With Pick Up: $87
  • Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $107
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
  • 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
  • 3-Hour Wine Tasting in Santorini : $126
  • Santorini Wine Adventure with 12 Wine Tastings, Tapas and Sunset: $131
  • Santorini wine tasting and Traditional Cave Settlement Tour: $142
  • Intimate Santorini - Small Group Shore Excursion and Wine Tasting: $142


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


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Santorini?

Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Santorini, 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.