Should I Visit Nairobi or Soweto for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Nairobi or Soweto?

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 Soweto 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 Soweto?

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.

Soweto

The name Soweto is an acronym for South Western Townships, first used in 1963 to describe the groups of townships to the south west of Johannesburg. It is a city of contrasts, featuring anything from tin shanties to luxurious mansions, and is probably best known for being the home of two Nobel Prize winners.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cape Town, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cape Town.

Which place is cheaper, Soweto 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

Soweto Prices
South Africa Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Nairobi $68

Soweto $75

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $68, while the average daily cost in Soweto is $75. 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 Soweto in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Nairobi $12

Soweto $31
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Nairobi $24

Soweto $62

Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Soweto

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Soweto? 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.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Nairobi $11

Soweto $11

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:

Safe and Private Airport transfer in Nairobi : $20
Safe and Executive Airport transfer in Nairobi: $40
Safe Private Airport transfer in Nairobi : $30
Return Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $120
Private Transfers from Nairobi Airport to Hotels: $170
Private Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha: $70
Private Transfer from Nairobi to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO): $37
Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or city To Maasai Mara By Road: $135
Private Transfer from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to Arusha: $260
Private Road transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli: $150
Private One-Way Nairobi Airport Transfer: $29
Private Luxury airport Taxi transfer Services Nairobi JKIA to City Hotels: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Soweto?

Prices for flights to both Soweto 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

Soweto $34

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:

Nairobi, Kenya : Universal Cooking Classes: $31
Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour : $35
Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $35
1 Hour Gastronomic and Street Food tour of Nairobi: $36
Carnivore Restaurant: Lunch or Dinner Experience in Nairobi.: $43
Traditional Cuisines Cooking Experience And Class.: $46
Market Tour and Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi: $50
Cooking Class with Local Organic Market Visit: $50
Local Market Tour and Traditional Meal Cooking Class: $51
Kibera Slum Bomas of Kenya and Dinner at Carnivore Nairobi: $55
Experience the Taste of Nairobi:A Hands-On Cooking Adventure: $56
Nairobi Private Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class with Lunch: $65

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Nairobi $46

Soweto $16

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 trip Private tour: $200
Coffee Farm tour from Nairobi: $90
Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour: $95
Half day tour to Elephant orphanage & Giraffe Centre Nairobi: $95
Hells Gate Park & Lake Naivasha boat ride Day tour: $150
Nairobi Museum Snake Park Giraffe Center and Beads Center Tour: $95
Nairobi National Park Group Joining Daily Tour: $138
Private Tour Nairobi national park & Giraffe Centre: $120
Private Tour to Karunguru Coffee Farm : $140
The 42 Stories -Kenya Culture and Walk Experience with a Local: $36
Tour Giraffe Centre, David Shedrick, Karen Blixen & city tour.: $110
half Day TOURS/NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK/ELEPHANT & GIRAFFE CENTRE: $90

Tours and Activities in Soweto

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

Johannesburg: Soweto Half-Day Tour: $59
Johannesburg: Soweto Night Tour: $95
Johannesburg: Soweto Tour with Lunch: $69

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Nairobi $16

Soweto $7.97

Sample the Local Flavors in Nairobi

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

Nairobi bar crawl:Drink and Mingle: $15
Nairobi Ultimate Bar Crawl: $60

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Nairobi and Soweto, we can see that Soweto 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. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Soweto?

Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Soweto. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Soweto, 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.

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

Should you visit Nairobi or Soweto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Nairobi or Soweto?

Nairobi

Soweto

Which place is cheaper, Soweto or Nairobi?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Soweto

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Soweto?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi

Tours and Activities in Nairobi

Tours and Activities in Soweto

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Nairobi

Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Soweto?

Related Articles for Nairobi

Related Articles for Soweto

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

Should you visit Nairobi or Soweto?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Nairobi or Soweto?

Nairobi

Soweto

Which place is cheaper, Soweto or Nairobi?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Soweto

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Soweto?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi

Tours and Activities in Nairobi

Tours and Activities in Soweto

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Nairobi

Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Soweto?

Related Articles for Nairobi

Related Articles for Soweto

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