Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Nairobi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Nairobi or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesTokyo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $67Tokyo $174
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $174. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12Tokyo $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Tokyo $146
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11Tokyo $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
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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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
- Transfer from Tokyo City Center to Haneda Airport (HND): $90
- Tokyo:TeamLab Private Transfer with Hotel Pickup & Drop-off: $200
- Private Transfers to/from Narita Airport(NRT): $75
- Private Transfer to/from Haneda Airport 7 Seater: $124
- Private Transfer from/to Yokohama Port: $178
- Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
- Private Transfer Between Narita Airport & City: $167
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Yokohama Port: $64
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Hakone or Mt.Fuji: $156
- Private Customize Day Tour With Hotel Transfer: $210
- One-Way Private Transfer from Haneda Airport: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
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Food Meals for one dayNairobi $13Tokyo $61
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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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
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$4.96
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$4.96
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Meal at Airport$6.47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $19
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $22
- Tsukiji Market Culture and Food Tour with 40-Year Resident: $25
- Shinjuku: 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $28
- Asakusa: Senso-ji Sightseeing & Street Food Tour with Photos: $29
- Shinjuku Chef‐Led Night Food Tour — What Guides Don’t Show: $29
- Shinjuku 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $29
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $32
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour: $32
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $38
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Private Yanaka District Walking & Food Tour: $44
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46Tokyo $65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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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 Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- “Daikoku Car Meet Night Tour | JDM Experience in Tokyo”: $158
- "Enjoy Tokyo Tour" Harajuku Meiji-jingu & Delicious Sake Tasting: $63
- "Ginza → Tsukishima" Walking and Japanese Style Fun Dining Tour: $158
- (Private tour)ShinjukuUnfiltered Secret bar restaurant Tour: $254
- 1 Day Tour to Oshino Hakkai Ole Hot Spring in Mount Fuji: $76
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa Traditional Tokyo and Nature: $145
- 1-Day Mt Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing trip from Tokyo: $338
- 1-Day Mt.Fuji Hiking Tour(Subashiri 5th to 7th) from Tokyo: $101
- 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour: $124
- 100% PRIVATE Anime, Manga, Game & Pop Culture Tour in Akihabara: $99
- 10:30 local gathering and rafting tour half day (3 hours): $38
- 14:00 local rafting tour half day (3 hours): $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Tokyo $31
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $35
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Nightlife Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional: $89
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $89
- Tokyo Shinjuku Gay Bar Crawl with Drinks: $90
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-: $101
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $108
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo: $121
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $130
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $146
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo is in Asia, 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nairobi. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Tokyo, 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.