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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nairobi Prices
    Kenya Prices
    Santorini Prices
    Greece Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nairobi $68
    Santorini $290

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $68, while the average daily cost in Santorini is $290. 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 $12
    Santorini $136
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Santorini $272
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 $11
    Santorini $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Taxi from Airport
    $9.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi

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

  • Private Transfer from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to Arusha: $292
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi to Maasai Mara Reserve: $215
  • Private Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli national park: $197
  • Private Transfer in Nairobi: $180
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or City to Mara by road: $160
  • Private Road transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli: $150
  • Private Arrival Transfer in Nairobi: $115
  • Private Transfer to Naivasha from Nairobi: $99
  • Private Jomo Kenyatta International Airport JKIA Transfers to Nairobi Hotels: $95
  • Nairobi National Park Tour with Game Drive and Transfer: $95
  • Museum of Illusion Nairobi Experience with Transfers: $75
  • Airport Transfers in Nairobi City: $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Water Transfer from Old Port – Avoid the cable car: $53
  • VIP taxi transfer: $24
  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Port: $88
  • VIP Limo Transfers From & To Santorini Airport: $35
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santorini HTL-APT(JTR): $39
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Santorini APT-HTL(JTR): $39
  • Transfer From & To Santorini Port Designed By You: $29
  • TRANSFERS Santorini PRIVATE Transfer: $40
  • Shuttle Transfers From Santorini Port: $27
  • Private Transfers To / From The Port Athinios: $29
  • Private Transfers From / To the Airport (JTR): $26
  • Private Transfer from Airport/Port: $53

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 $13
    Santorini $111
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
  • Popular Kenyan Food Cooking Class and Local Market Experience: $60
  • Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
  • Private Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $76
  • Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
  • Dinner Experience with Cat Show at Safari Park Hotel: $90
  • Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $97
  • The Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with transport: $97
  • Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
  • Nairobi National Park Afternoon Game Drive/ Dinner Carnivore Restaurant: $100
  • Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Farm to Table Food Tour Experience in Santorini: $94
  • Santorini Caldera Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Wine: $94
  • Santorini Family Farm Food & Wine Tour with Cooking Class: $100
  • Santorini Cooking Lesson with Chef and a Bottle of Wine: $106
  • Award-Winning Santorini Cooking Class with Greek Chef: $127
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $129
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $129
  • Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $129
  • Luxury Santorini Sunset Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $141
  • Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner with Pick-up Option: $141
  • Santorini : Night Hike, Wine Tasting and Dinner: $164
  • Small Group Cooking Lesson & Wine Tasting at Award-Winning Winery: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Santorini $40
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 Purple Farm Tour from Nairobi Tea Tasting and Lunch: $295
  • 1 Day Tour to Amboseli Park And a Majestic Mt Kilimanjaro View: $90
  • 2 Days 1 Night Amboseli National Park With Masai Village Tour: $280
  • 2 Days Amboseli Safari using a 4x4 Landcruiser jeep(with options): $105
  • 2-Hour Private Kibera Slum Guided Tour: $90
  • 3 Day Maasai Mara Group Joining Safari With Guided Tour: $250
  • 3 Day Maasai Mara Shared Safari In a Land Cruiser: $220
  • 3 Days Maasai Mara Group Safari on 4x4 Land Cruiser Jeep: $295
  • 3 Days Masai Mara Budget Camping Safari on 4X4 Land Cruiser: $285
  • 3 day Maasai Mara Small Group Safari in a 4 x4 Land Cruiser Jeep: $220

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • (5h) Santorini Discovery Private Tour–Oia, Villages & Black Beach: $76
  • *AVOID CABLECAR*Santorini's PrivateLuxuryTours-6Hours-Local Guide: $235
  • 2-hour Private Wooden E-Bike Tour in Emporio Castle, Santorini: $82
  • 4 Hours Private Sightseeing Tour in Santorini: $153
  • 4 hrs PRIVATE island tour and photos, Oia and Blue domes: $159
  • 5 Hour Majestic Santorini Tour Designed for Cruise Passengers: $65
  • 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $81
  • 5 Hour Tour - Skip Sky Tram Direct Port Pickup: $67
  • 5-hour My Santorini Private Guided Tour: $188
  • 6hr PRIVATE Santorini Tour, All Must-see Places plus photos: $265
  • A Journey to the Tradition of Santorini SUV Private Tour: $240
  • ATV Heart of Santorini Tour: $180

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Santorini $29

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 Santorini

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

  • Art and Wine Tour in a Historic Santorini Winery: $41
  • Santorini Ftelos Brewery Guided Tour and Beer Tasting Experience: $41
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $52
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $65
  • Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini: $91
  • Santorini Wine & Village Experience–Megalochori &Wine Tasting(4h): $94
  • Caldera Views, Cliffside Villages, and Santorinian Wine Tasting: $100
  • Santorini Private Wine Tour with Local Wineries & Tastings: $100
  • Premium Wine Tasting with Caldera Views: $105
  • Guided ATV Tour with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Santorini Wine Tour with sunset in Oia: $129
  • Santorini Wine Tasting & Premium Lunch at Award-Winning Winery: $130


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.