Should I Visit Mombasa or Alexandria for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Mombasa or Alexandria?

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 Alexandria. 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 Alexandria?

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.

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.

Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Mombasa?

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

Mombasa Prices
Kenya Prices

Alexandria Prices
Egypt Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Mombasa $81

Alexandria $20

The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $20. 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 Alexandria in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Mombasa $26

Alexandria $7.51
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Mombasa $52

Alexandria $15

Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Alexandria? 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 Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Mombasa $18

Alexandria $2.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa

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

Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $65
DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $115
Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $101
Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $71
Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Nyali, Bamburi & Shanzu: $32
Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Malindi Hotels: $126
Mombasa Airport Transfers: $62
Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
Mombasa Old Town Walking Tour With Round Trip Hotel Transfer: $34
Mombasa Private Airport Transfer: Cheap & Comfortable: $33
Mombasa SGR Train Station Private transfer to Shanzu/Mtwapa: $49

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:

Taxi to Train Station

$0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $246
Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $251
Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $47
Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $75
Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $80
Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $19
From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $82
Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $75
Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria 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 day

Mombasa $41

Alexandria $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa

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

city tour, food tour, cultural tour: $25
Fort Jesus Sound & Lights Show And Romantic Dinner.: $39
Fort Jesus Light and music Night Shows With Dinner.: $44
Swahili food Cooking Class Experience: $44
Special African Dinner: $46
Swahili Street Food Tour: $50
Spicy Food Tour in Mombasa Streets And City tour: $150

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $20
Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
Alexandria food Tour taste the Egyptian traditional food: $60
From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Mombasa $18

Alexandria $3.28

Tours and Activities in Mombasa

For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

Mombasa Half Day City Tour: $18
Old Town and Haller Park Guided Day Tour: $20
Historical Guided city tour. Fort Jesus, old town.: $22
Mombasa Sunset & Bar Craw Night Tour.: $25
Giraffes Feeding Experience At Haller Park by Car.: $26
Rock Starz Village:A Culinary Gem Guided Tour on Diani Beach: $26
Old Town and Haller Park Guided Day Tour.: $27
Sunset Canoe Tour on a River within the Mangroves: $28
Mombasa Old Town Walking Tour: $30
Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
Mombasa City: Swahili Cuisines Rich Culinary Heritage Tour.: $31
City Tour with street food tasting.: $32

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
8Days Egypt Tour package UltraLuxury Cairo,Alexandria&cruise: $4,190
Alamein and Alexandria Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $130
Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $150
Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $75
Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour: $55
Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour : $55
Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $55
Alexandria Day Tour: $110
Alexandria Day tour from Alexandria: $120

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Mombasa $8.83

Alexandria $1.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Mombasa

Also in Mombasa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

Coastal Pub Crawl - Bamburi Drunk Tour: $25

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Alexandria, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Mombasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mombasa than you might in Alexandria.

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

Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Alexandria averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Summer Average Temperatures July

Mombasa 24°C (75°F)

Alexandria 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Alexandria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Mombasa 26°C (79°F)

Alexandria 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Alexandria. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Alexandria. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Mombasa is much warmer than Alexandria in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Winter Average Temperatures January

Mombasa 27°C (81°F)

Alexandria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Spring?

Both Alexandria and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Mombasa is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Alexandria averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Spring Average Temperatures April

Mombasa 27°C (81°F)

Alexandria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Mombasa

	Mombasa		Alexandria
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	27°C (81°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)	13°C (55°F)	50 mm (2 in)
Feb	27°C (81°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)	13°C (55°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar	28°C (82°F)	60 mm (2.4 in)	16°C (61°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr	27°C (81°F)	150 mm (5.9 in)	19°C (66°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
May	26°C (79°F)	260 mm (10.2 in)	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun	24°C (75°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)	23°C (73°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul	24°C (75°F)	80 mm (3.1 in)	26°C (79°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug	24°C (75°F)	70 mm (2.8 in)	27°C (81°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep	25°C (77°F)	50 mm (2 in)	25°C (77°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct	26°C (79°F)	100 mm (3.9 in)	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov	26°C (79°F)	90 mm (3.5 in)	19°C (66°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)
Dec	27°C (81°F)	100 mm (3.9 in)	14°C (57°F)	50 mm (2 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mombasa vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mombasa or Alexandria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Mombasa or Alexandria?

Mombasa

Alexandria

Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Mombasa?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Alexandria

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Alexandria?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Mombasa

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Mombasa

Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Alexandria?

When is the best time to visit Mombasa or Alexandria?

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Summer?

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Winter?

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Mombasa

Related Articles for Mombasa

Related Articles for Alexandria

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mombasa vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mombasa or Alexandria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Mombasa or Alexandria?

Mombasa

Alexandria

Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Mombasa?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Alexandria

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Alexandria?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Mombasa

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Mombasa

Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Alexandria?

When is the best time to visit Mombasa or Alexandria?

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Summer?

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Winter?

Should I visit Mombasa or Alexandria in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Mombasa

Related Articles for Mombasa

Related Articles for Alexandria

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