Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Mombasa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $65Alexandria $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $65, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $17. 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 personMombasa $27Alexandria $7.99
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $54Alexandria $16
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 $18Alexandria $2.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from Mombasa Moi International Airport(MBA): $75
- Airport Transfers to Watamu and Malindi : $75
- Diani Airport – Kenya Coast Beach Hotel Transfers: $131
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $44
- Mombasa Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $28
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To South Coast Diani Hotels: $74
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $105
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $74
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Nyali, Bamburi & Shanzu: $33
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Vipingo and Kilifi: $86
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Malindi Hotels: $131
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 Luxor to Alexandria: $243
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
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 dayMombasa $24Alexandria $6.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Swahili Street Food Tour: $45
- Special African Dinner: $46
- Fort Jesus Mombasa Light and music Night Shows With Dinner.: $46
- Dhow Cruise Tour And Dinner Or Lunch Tours.: $51
- Experience Swahili Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local Host.: $80
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: $35
- Alexandria Food Tour: $50
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Alexandria $3.50
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Holy Ghost Cathedral (1914) entry and guided tour: $10
- Mombasa walking tour: $16
- Mombasa walking tour: $20
- 2 hour Authentic Cultual Experience: $25
- Mombasa:Street food Experience: $27
- Mombasa Fun and hidden Gems tour: $30
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $30
- Private Canoe Tour to Experience the Gorgeous Kongo River Estuary: $30
- Mombasa Old Town Walking Tour: $30
- Mombasa City Tour,Fortjesus,Oldtown,Tusks and Spice Market.: $35
- Mombasa City: Children's Homes Visit And Donation Tour.: $36
- Mombasa City Half Day Walking Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $39
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour to Alamein and Alexandria: $169
- National Museum and Egyptian museum Private Tour in Egypt: $258
- Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
- 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
- 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $174
- 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $155
- 6-Hour Day Tour to Alexandria Attractions with Pickup Included: $78
- 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
- 8 Days Ultra Luxury Cairo, Alexandria & Nile cruise: $4,190
- Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
- Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $117
- Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $135
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.99Alexandria $1.35
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 JulyMombasa 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 OctoberMombasa 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 JanuaryMombasa 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 AprilMombasa 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) |
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.