Is Nairobi Expensive?

Is Nairobi expensive to visit?

While Nairobi is a popular place for travelers, it is also somewhat affordable and less expensive to visit. The average daily cost is $63, which is one of the many reasons for its popularity with tourists. When compared to other destinations in Africa, many visitors find it to be a moderately priced destination. It's in the top 50% of places in Africa for its travel costs, and our cost analysis found it to be comparable to Tangier and Mombasa.

At the market in Nairobi, Kenya

How expensive is Nairobi?

Travelers spend an average of $63 per day when visiting Nairobi (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can stay fairly close to this average if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Nairobi here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Nairobi?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a weekend trip to Nairobi costs around $189 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $379.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Nairobi?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Nairobi will cost around $442 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $884.

A Masai Warrior near Masai Mara National Park

Is it expensive to backpack in Nairobi?

With more than 10 hostels in the area, Nairobi is a popular backpacker destination for travelers looking to stay on a tight budget and have a fun time along the way. Here, hostels cost an average of $14 per night for a dorm bed, with private rooms being more expensive. (See hostel prices in Nairobi here.) It's also common to see a wide range in prices, as the cheapest hostels here cost $0, but the most expensive can be more than $30 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Nairobi.

• $14 for a dorm bed at Nairobi Backpackers Hostel
  more details
• $11 for a dorm bed at Jabulani Backpackers Hostels
  more details
• $12 for a dorm bed at Mad Vervet Backpackers Hostel Nairobi
  more details

Are hotels expensive in Nairobi?

When we look at our analysis of hotel prices in Nairobi, we find them to be very economical in comparison to the rest of the world. The average nightly cost for a hotel room here is approximately $76. The area boasts about 11 five-star hotels with an average rate of $177 per night. For those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability, three-star hotels offer an average rate of $85 per night, while two-star hotels provide an even more budget-friendly option at $46 per night.

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Nairobi?

In Nairobi, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $47 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is more than the country's average of $40.

• Nairobi National Park and Giraffe Centre half day tour: $158
• Ismael's Kibera Slum Tour : $65
• Private day tour to hell's gate national Park and lake Naivasha : $135
• 5 Hours Nairobi National Park Early Morning Private Tour: $100
• Day Tour To Kiambethu Tea Farm in Limuru: $115
• Private Nairobi National Park Day Tour : $150
• Coffee farm tour, coffee roasting and tasting experience: $35
• Nairobi City Guided Walking Tour: $40

Is food expensive in Nairobi?

In Nairobi, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $8 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $28.

• Nairobi Nightlife and Safari Park Hotel Dinner Experience: $155
• Private Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $76
• Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers : $97
• Afternoon visit to Bomas of Kenya and Dinner Carnivore: $162
• Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour : $55
• Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $87

Is transportation expensive in Nairobi?

Exploring local transportation in Nairobi shows that the price can vary greatly by the type of transportation used. On average, previous travelers have spent $11 per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $34. If you want to save money, use public transit as it's much cheaper than taxis or private drivers.

More for Nairobi

If you're planning a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.