Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Mombasa?
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 Mombasa or Alesund?
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 Alesund. 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 Alesund?
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.
Alesund
Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.
-
Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesAlesund Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Alesund $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $143. 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 Alesund in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Alesund $62
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Alesund $124
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Alesund
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Alesund? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Alesund $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Mombasa: $22
- Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $42
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $42
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Port to Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA): $57
- Private Arrival Transfer in Mombasa: $60
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
- From Mombasa Airport: Diani transfer in a minivan (5 pax): $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:
- Private Transfer from Alesund city hotels to Maloy Cruise Port: $159
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $223
- Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $51
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Olden Cruise Port: $163
- Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Maloy Cruise Port: $159
- Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $187
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $103
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Alesund?
Prices for flights to both Alesund 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
-
Food Meals for one dayMombasa $41Alesund $61
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
- Sultan's Spoon Mombasa Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Mombasa Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Swahili Cooking Class Experience with a Local Chef: $65
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise & Nightlife: $135
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Alesund $19
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
- Mombasa city tour: $30
- Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and 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
- Half day city tour of mombasa: $40
- Mombasa City Tour: $40
- Quasar Tours and Safaris: $40
- Half day Mombasa City Tour: $45
Tours and Activities in Alesund
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:
- Ålesund - Geiranger - Ålesund Sightseeing Roundtrip: $211
- Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $47
- 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $154
- Alesund Shore Excursion: The Atlantic Highlights Tour: $150
- Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $139
- Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $73
- Trollstigen, Troll Wall & Romsdal Alps Day Tour: $174
- All About the Fjords in One Tour by Boat and Bus from Ålesund: $169
- All About the Fjords in One Tour by Bus and Boat from Ålesund: $169
- Alnes Lighthouse, Sunnmøre Museum, Aksla and City Sightseeing: $137
- E-bike And Hiking Tour In Ålesund: $154
- Experience Molde with Coach Travel: $147
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.83Alesund $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Alesund, we can see that Alesund 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 Alesund 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Alesund Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Alesund?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Alesund, 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 Alesund?
Alesund 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 Alesund in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Alesund. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Mombasa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Alesund. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Alesund 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Alesund in the Autumn?
Both Alesund and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Mombasa is much warmer than Alesund in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Alesund. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Alesund 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Alesund in the Winter?
Both Alesund and Mombasa during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Alesund can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Alesund averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Alesund. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Alesund 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Alesund in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Alesund. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Alesund because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
The weather in Alesund can be very cold. In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Alesund. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Alesund 5°C (40°F)
Typical Weather for Alesund and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Alesund | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 167 mm (6.6 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.