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

Should you visit Nairobi or Sao Paulo?

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 Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?

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.

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Nairobi?

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

  • Nairobi Prices
    Kenya Prices
    Sao Paulo Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nairobi $67
    Sao Paulo $60

The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $67, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $60. 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nairobi $12
    Sao Paulo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nairobi $24
    Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo


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 Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nairobi $11
    Sao Paulo $5.76
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:

  • Private Road Transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli national park: $197
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or city To Maasai Mara By Road: $135
  • Private Transfers from Nairobi Airport to Hotels: $100
  • Nairobi National Park Game Drive and Transfer: $95
  • Airport/hotel/transfers In Van/bus/sedan Car Within Nairobi: $80
  • Private Transfer from Nairobi to Naivasha: $70
  • Airport Transfers In Nairobi City: $67
  • Nairobi - Maasai Mara Shuttle Transfers. : $61
  • Airport and Hotel Private Transfers.: $59
  • Airport VIP Transfers - Nairobi Hotels : $55
  • Private Luxury airport Taxi transfer Services Nairobi JKIA to City Hotels: $50
  • Private Transfer from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to Nairobi: $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo

Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
  • Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
  • Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
  • Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $24
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo

For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nairobi $46
    Sao Paulo $3.89
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

Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
  • 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
  • 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
  • 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
  • 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
  • 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
  • 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
  • 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
  • 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
  • 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nairobi $16
    Sao Paulo $3.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When comparing the travel costs between Nairobi and Sao Paulo, we can see that Nairobi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Nairobi is in Africa and Sao Paulo is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nairobi Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nairobi. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and Sao Paulo, 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.