Which place is cheaper, Jinja or Nairobi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nairobi or Jinja?
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 Jinja 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 Jinja?
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.
Jinja
Jinja is a city located at the source of the Nile in Uganda, Africa. Many backpackers travel to Jinja, as it is known for its white water rafting. This city is the third largest economy in all of the East African Community. It has a population of about 72,000 people.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Wildlife Tours to Uganda, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Uganda.
-
Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesJinja Prices
Uganda Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $67Jinja $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Jinja is $121. 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 Jinja in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12Jinja $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Jinja $94
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Jinja
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Jinja? 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 Jinja Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11Jinja $23
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:
- Airport Transfers: $40
- Airport Transfers In Nairobi City: $67
- Airport VIP Transfers - Nairobi Hotels : $55
- Airport/hotel/transfers In Van/bus/sedan Car Within Nairobi: $80
- From JKIA Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax max): $35
- From Wilson Airport: Nairobi private transfer in a car (3 pax): $30
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Mwashi Airport Transfer & Taxi: $27
- Nairobi - Maasai Mara Shuttle Transfers. : $61
- Nairobi Airport Transfer, Hotel Pick up and Drop Off: $20
- Nairobi Airport Transfers to Wilson Airport or City Hotels: $28
- Nairobi National Park Game Drive and Transfer: $95
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Jinja?
Prices for flights to both Jinja 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 dayNairobi $13Jinja $53
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
- 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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46Jinja $31
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:
- 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 Jinja
Here are a few actual costs in Jinja for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- David's Shared Walking Tour in Jinja with a Local Cultural Meal: $40
- Half-Day Jinja Walking Tour: Source of Nile & Boat Ride Options: $31
- Jinja Cultural and Historical Walking Tour: $39
- Jinja Village Bike Tour : $40
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Jinja $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Jinja, we can see that Jinja 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 Jinja would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jinja 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 Jinja Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Jinja?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Jinja. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Jinja, 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.