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

Should you visit Nairobi or Hong Kong?

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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?

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.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, and The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya.


Which place is cheaper, Hong Kong or Nairobi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Hong Kong is $185. 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 Hong Kong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Hong Kong $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Hong Kong $150
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Hong Kong

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Hong Kong? 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.

Hotels in Nairobi


Hotels in Hong Kong


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 Hong Kong Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Hong Kong $8.77
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:


  • 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 Transfers from Nairobi Airport to Hotels: $100
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha: $70
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or city To Maasai Mara By Road: $135
  • Private Transfer from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to Nairobi: $42
  • Private Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli national park: $197
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Nairobi: $27
  • Private Luxury airport Taxi transfer Services Nairobi JKIA to City Hotels: $50
  • Private Airport and Hotel Transfer in Nairobi: $40
  • Private Airport Transfers To or From Nairobi Airports.: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer and Service in Nairobi: $20
  • Airport and Hotel Private Transfers.: $59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:


  • MTR (for 2)
    $2.83
  • Local Bus
    $2.83
  • Ferry Ticket
    $0.26
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket
    $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Hong Kong?

Prices for flights to both Hong Kong 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
    Hong Kong $57
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi

For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • 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
  • Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner for 2
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Hong Kong $95
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:

  • Day Tour Amboseli Park From Nairobi: $180
  • Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour: $95
  • Lake Naivasha Full day Tour With Boat Rides: $156
  • Local Lunch and Beer Tasting Experience: $90
  • Nairobi National Park Morning Or Evening Game Drive 4x4 Tour Van: $50
  • Nairobi park Tour 6.A.M-11.AM: $70
  • Private 4WD Lake Nakuru Day Tour from Nairobi: $190
  • 1 Day Bike Tour to Hell’s Gate And Lake Naivasha : $139
  • 1 Day Tour Hiking Mt. Longonot and lake Naivasha Boat ride : $75
  • 1 Day Tour Nairobi National Park,Giraffe Center&Karen Blixen: $46
  • 1-Day Hiking Adventure at Mount Longonot from Nairobi: $170
  • 2 Days Group Safari to Amboseli using a Landcruiser 4x4 Jeep: $260

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Peak Tram
    $7.72
  • Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
    $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Hong Kong $21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Hong Kong, we can see that Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nairobi. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Hong Kong, 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.