Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Mombasa?
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 Mombasa or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mombasa and Akureyri. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Mombasa or Akureyri?
Mombasa
Mombasa is a beautiful, large city on the eastern coast of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean. The city is famous for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and diverse marine life. Mombasa experiences a tropical climate year round, meaning temperatures rarely drop below 70° Fahrenheit. The rainiest months of the year are April and May and the driest months are January and February. Temperatures tend to be more mild from May through October, usually in the 70's and 80's. Temperatures get much warmer from November through April, with daily averages reaching the high 90's.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Akureyri $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $189. 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 Mombasa and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Akureyri $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Akureyri $204
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Akureyri? 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: Mombasa Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Akureyri $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Diani Mombasa Moi Int Airport Transfer: $160
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- From Mombasa Airport: Diani transfer in a minivan (5 pax): $75
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $73
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Nyali/bamburi/shanzu: $37
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Malindi Hotels: $142
- Mombasa Kenya Minivan Airport Transfer: $100
- Mombasa to Mombasa Airport (MBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Private Arrival Transfer in Mombasa: $60
- Private Departure Transfer in Mombasa: $80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $164
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $117
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
- Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Mombasa 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 dayMombasa $41Akureyri $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Special African Dinner: $46
- Mombasa Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Swahili Cooking Class Experience with a Local Chef: $65
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise & Nightlife: $137
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Akureyri $18
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mombasa Guided City Tour Experience: $25
- Sunset Canoe Tour on a River within the Mangroves: $28
- Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
- Mombasa city tour: $30
- Kongo River Sunset Experience in Canoe: $32
- Mombasa walking tour: $35
- Mombasa old town Walking Tour and Fort Jesus: $38
- Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $39
- Mombasa City Tour: $40
- Private Mombasa City Tour Watamu Diani and Malindi: $40
- Half day city tour of mombasa: $40
- Quasar Tours and Safaris: $40
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $165
- Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour: $180
- Akureyri Northern Light Tour: $139
- Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $293
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
- Akureyri Port: Hot Godafoss Waterfall Tour & The Forest Lagoon: $157
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $328
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $182
- Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $246
- Akureyri Port: Small Group Godafoss and Laufas Turf House Tour: $165
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.83Akureyri $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Mombasa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Akureyri is in Europe, 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 Mombasa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mombasa 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri than you might in Mombasa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Akureyri?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Akureyri, 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.
When is the best time to visit Mombasa or Akureyri?
Akureyri has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mombasa experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Mombasa or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Mombasa during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the summer, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Akureyri. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Mombasa is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Akureyri. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Akureyri. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
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.