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

Should you visit Nairobi or Sihanoukville?

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 Sihanoukville 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 Sihanoukville?

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.

Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville, also known by locals as Kompong Som, was named after King Sihanouk. Also Cambodia's youngest city, construction started in 1955 to build Cambodia's first and only deep water port so that ships would no longer have to go through the Mekong Delta in order to trade with Cambodia. Today, many visit Sihanoukville as a hub to visit Cambodia's islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Bicycle Tours in Cambodia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Cambodia.


Which place is cheaper, Sihanoukville 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
    Sihanoukville Prices
    Cambodia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nairobi $68
    Sihanoukville $65

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $68, while the average daily cost in Sihanoukville is $65. 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 Sihanoukville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Sihanoukville $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Sihanoukville $46
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Sihanoukville

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Sihanoukville? 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 Sihanoukville


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 Sihanoukville Hotel Prices.

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

  • Airport Transfer (one Way): $80
  • Airport Transfers: $40
  • Airport Transfers In Nairobi: $50
  • Airport Transfers in Nairobi City: $70
  • Airport transfers: $180
  • Airport transfers in Nairobi: $60
  • Beyond Boundaries Tours and Transfers: $30
  • From JKIA Airport Nairobi Private Transfer in a Car 3 Pax Max: $35
  • From Wilson Airport Nairobi Private Transfer in a Car 3 Pax: $30
  • Hotel, Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $45
  • Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Private Transfer: $27
  • Museum of Illusion Nairobi Experience with Transfers: $75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sihanoukville

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sihanoukville:

  • Transfer: Between Airport and Shihanouk ville: $20
  • Private Taxi Transfer to Kampot: $224
  • Sihanoukville To Phnom Penh Private Transfer Mini-Van-Car: $65
  • Sihanoukville International Airport Transfers: $23
  • Sihanoukville Airport Transfers: $25
  • Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Battambang: $290
  • Private Transfer to/from Battambang - Sihanoukville: $115
  • Private Transfer in Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh by VIP Alphard: $180
  • Private Transfer From Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh: $35
  • Private Transfer : Phnom Penh ↔ Sihanouk Ville: $105
  • Private Taxi Transfer From Kampot - Phnom Penh City: $46
  • Private Shuttle Transfer From Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Sihanoukville?

Prices for flights to both Sihanoukville 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
    Sihanoukville $32
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $5.03

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
  • Karibu Kitchens Nairobi Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
  • Popular Kenyan Food Cooking Class and Local Market Experience: $60
  • Carnivore restaurant Dinner or lunch from Nairobi: $65
  • Cooking Lesson of Local Food $ Lunch: $68
  • Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
  • Dinner Experience with Cat Show at Safari Park Hotel: $90
  • Nairobi Nightlife and Safari Park Hotel Dinner Experience: $90
  • The Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with transport: $97
  • Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
  • Authentic home dinner with a local Family in Nairobi: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sihanoukville

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sihanoukville.

  • Cooking class in Kampot: $20
  • Kampot Cooking Class by Eco Lotus Kampot: $33
  • Sihanoukville - Khmer Traditional Cooking Class: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Sihanoukville $5.37
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:

  • Fashion African Fabric & Souvenir Market Tour: $12
  • Kibera Slum Tour with a Local: $15
  • Kibera Slum Cultural and Community Walking Tour: $15
  • Ankara Fabric Shopping and Same Day Tailoring Experience: $17
  • Nairobi Matatu Culture Experience: $18
  • Nairobi City Tour +Pickup: $19
  • Nairobi Walking City Tour +pick-up: $20
  • Nairobi City Walk Tour +pickup: $22
  • Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park Guided Tour: $22
  • Kibera Chocolate City Tour: $22
  • Nairobi History and Modern Culture Walking Tour: $22
  • Nairobi City Tour: $25

Tours and Activities in Sihanoukville

Here are a few actual costs in Sihanoukville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Best Sihanoukville Day Tours from Cruise Port: $79
  • Best of Kep, Kampot from Sihanoukville Cruise Port: $259
  • Best of Sihanoukville City Tour from Cruise Port: $75
  • Bokor Mountain Adventure - History, Sights and Waterfalls: $29
  • Day Trip from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh for Cruise Passengers: $189
  • Discovery Tour: Caving, Climbing, Via Ferrata and Abseiling in Kampot: $53
  • Exploring Bokor National Park Full-Day Tour from Sihanoukville: $99
  • Exploring Kampot: A Memorable Tour from Sihanoukville: $63
  • Exploring Shore Excursions from Cruise Ports: $59
  • Exploring the Best of Kampot and Kep in a Full-Day Tour: $55
  • From Phnom Penh Day Trip for Cruise Ship Guests: $189
  • Full Day City Tour with A Boat Trip to 2 Islands: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Sihanoukville $4.42

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


When comparing the travel costs between Nairobi and Sihanoukville, we can see that Nairobi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nairobi is in Africa and Sihanoukville is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nairobi Expensive? and Is Sihanoukville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Sihanoukville?

Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sihanoukville. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Sihanoukville, 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.