Which place is cheaper, Antananarivo 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 Antananarivo?
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 Antananarivo 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 Antananarivo?
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.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar; it is also sometimes referred to as Tana. This city is the cultural and political center of Madagascar as a whole. There are multiple universities, museums, and other social venues in the city, as well as a national rugby team. This city has a very apparent French influence.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Wildlife Tours to Madagascar, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Madagascar.
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Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesAntananarivo Prices
Madagascar Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $67Antananarivo $92
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Antananarivo is $92. 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 Antananarivo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12Antananarivo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Antananarivo $60
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Antananarivo
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Antananarivo? 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 Antananarivo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11Antananarivo $14
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$9.23
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
- Private Airport Transfer and Service in Nairobi: $20
- Nairobi Airport Transfer, Hotel Pick up and Drop Off: $20
- Private Airport Transfers To or From Nairobi Airports.: $25
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Private One-Way Transfer from Nairobi: $27
- Mwashi Airport Transfer & Taxi: $27
- Nairobi Airport Transfers to Wilson Airport or City Hotels: $28
- From Wilson Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax): $30
- From JKIA Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax max): $35
- Nairobi airport transfer: $35
- Airport Transfers: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antananarivo:
- Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo: $40
- Cheap Transfer Airport Hotel & Car rental in Antananarivo: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Antananarivo?
Prices for flights to both Antananarivo 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 $13Antananarivo $50
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$5.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Carnivore Restaurant: Lunch or Dinner Experience in Nairobi: $21
- Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class and Dining Experience: $40
- Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour : $55
- Private Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class with Lunch in Nairobi: $60
- Carnivore restaurant Dinner or lunch from Nairobi: $65
- Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $97
- Nairobi dinner and safari cat dancers : $100
- Authentic Local Kenyan Food Tour: $108
- Carnivore Restaurant Dinner Experience in Nairobi: $125
- Nairobi Carnivore Restaurant Lunch / Dinner Experience: $125
- Barbecue Dinner & Entertainment in Nairobi : $135
- Safari Park Hotel Cat Dance and Dinner Experience: $135
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Antananarivo.
- Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour: $245
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46Antananarivo $24
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:
- Nairobi Historic Downtown City WalkingTour: $20
- Nairobi Walking City Culture Tour: $20
- Nairobi City Walk Tour : $23
- Nairobi City Tour: $25
- Mathare Community Slum Tour: $26
- Carnivore Restaurant Nairobi Dinning experience-transport: $30
- Nairobi Historical Walking Half Day Tour : $35
- Kibera Slum Tour with Lucas : $35
- Nairobi national park Elephant orphanage and giraffe center tour.: $38
- Nairobi National Park Half Day Game Drive Tour With FREE Pick up: $39
- Walking tour in Nairobi town: $40
- Half Day Excursion Tour in Nairobi : $40
Tours and Activities in Antananarivo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Antananarivo are as follows:
- 4 Days Adventure to wild Andasibe Mantasoa from Antananarivo: $997
- 4-Hours Night Tour of Antananarivo: $179
- 6 Days Adventure to Andasibe & Tamatave from Antananarivo: $1,700
- 7 Days Sainte-Marie Island Tour by Plane from Antananarivo: $3,811
- 9 Days Adventure from Antananarivo to Isalo Park & Tulear: $2,345
- Andasibe Lemur Experience 4 Days/3 Nights (Comfort).: $1,847
- Antananarivo : Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $38
- Antananarivo : Day tour to Mantasoa Lake: $384
- Antananarivo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $25
- 10-Day Southern National Parks & Reserves Tour: $3,700
- 2-Days tour to Andasibe National Park: $752
- Baobab Avenue & Kirindy Tours 4 Days/3 Nights: $1,415
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Antananarivo $9.61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Antananarivo, we can see that Antananarivo is more expensive. And not only is Nairobi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Antananarivo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antananarivo 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 Antananarivo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Antananarivo?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Antananarivo. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Antananarivo, 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.