Is Nairobi expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Nairobi is cheap for local food and transport but expensive for what most visitors come for: national park fees, wildlife experiences and safe, well-located hotels. A budget traveller needs about KSh 11,500 a day, mid-range about KSh 28,500 and comfort about KSh 56,000 per person (roughly KSh 130 to US$1). Park entry and drivers take a big share of the budget.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | KSh3,000 | KSh8,000 | KSh20,000 |
| Food & drink | KSh2,000 | KSh4,500 | KSh9,000 |
| Sights & tickets | KSh5,000 | KSh10,000 | KSh15,000 |
| Local transport | KSh1,500 | KSh6,000 | KSh12,000 |
| Per person, per day | KSh11,500 | KSh28,500 | KSh56,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Nairobi day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Chai and mandazi at a café | KSh 100–250 |
| Nyama choma plate with ugali | KSh 600–1,200 |
| Tusker beer in a bar | KSh 250–400 |
| Nairobi National Park, non-residents | about US$80 |
| David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust public visit | roughly KSh 1,500–2,000 |
| Giraffe Centre | about KSh 1,500 |
| Uber or Bolt across the city | KSh 500–1,500 |
| Mid-range double in Westlands | KSh 12,000–20,000 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
The biggest costs are park fees and transport to them: Nairobi National Park costs about US$80 for non-residents plus about US$100–150 for a half-day vehicle with driver-guide, and Hell's Gate about US$50. Accommodation in safe areas such as Westlands and Karen runs KSh 12,000–22,000 for a mid-range double. Day-to-day food is cheap at local restaurants, but upmarket restaurants in Karen and Westlands charge KSh 1,500–3,000 a main.
When it is cheaper
Hotels and safari operators often lower prices during the long rains (April–May) and sometimes in November, when the parks are greener and quieter. July to October, the migration season, is the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Share a vehicle and driver for Nairobi National Park with other travellers to split the cost.
- Group the Sheldrick Trust, Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum into one Karen day to save on rides.
- Eat at local nyama choma places and Indian restaurants rather than hotel restaurants.
- Use Uber or Bolt instead of hotel taxis, and avoid rush hours to save time and fare.
- Pay park fees directly through the official eCitizen system to avoid agent mark-ups.
- Visit in the green season (April–May) for discounted hotels and safaris.
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Common questions
Is Nairobi expensive?
Local food and transport are cheap, but park fees, drivers and safe hotels are not. Expect about KSh 11,500 a day on a budget and KSh 28,500 mid-range.
How much is Nairobi National Park?
About US$80 for non-residents, paid cashless through eCitizen, plus about US$100–150 for a half-day vehicle with driver-guide.
How much is an Uber in Nairobi?
Most trips across the city cost KSh 500–1,500, more at rush hour.