Which place is cheaper, Washington 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 Washington?
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 Washington 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesWashington Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $67Washington $226
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Washington is $226. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11Washington $47
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer: $150
- Private Transfer to/from IAD or DCA Airport: $40
- Washington, D.C.: IAD Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $150
- Washington, D.C.: DCA Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $110
- Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $127
- Washington to Washington Airport (DCA) Departure Private Transfer: $78
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
- Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $149
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $173
- Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
- Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $13Washington $66
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 Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $59
- Donuts, Lights & History: DC’s Holiday Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $73
- Gastronomic Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $84
- Cobblestones & Croissants: A Morning Food Tour in Georgetown, DC: $89
- Washington D.C : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $93
- Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
- Washington D.C Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $96
- Washington DC: Food Tour with 6+ Locals Favorites Bites: $99
- City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise: $116
- Washington, DC: Downtown DC Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46Washington $23
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 Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- 2 hours Mini Tour of Washington DC: $49
- 2-Day Niagara Falls Tour from D.C. w/ Overnight Falls Area: $49
- 2-Day Niagara Falls Tour from D.C. w/ Overnight in the Falls Area: $49
- 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour: $75
- 250 Small-Group Tour: VIP Archives & American History - 6ppl Max: $200
- 250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour: $75
- 3-Hour Small Group Memorial Tour in Washington, D.C.: $59
- Afternoon Mount Vernon and Alexandria Tour plus DC Night Tour: $158
- Air & Space Museum Small-Group (8) Tour with Reserved Entry: $69
- Amish Farm and Village Experience from Washington D.C.: $169
- Antietam: Guided Battlefield Tour From Washington, DC: $1,749
- Arlington Cemetery & Changing of the Guard Exclusive Guided Tour: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Washington $19
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 Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Astounding Bar Crawl: Wildin' Out Washington DC: $15
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Washington, DC: History Tour Pub Crawl: $49
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $53
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington is in North America, 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Washington?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Washington, 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.