Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam?
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 Amsterdam. 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 Amsterdam?
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.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesAmsterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Amsterdam $244
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $244. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Amsterdam $118
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Amsterdam $236
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Amsterdam? 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 Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Amsterdam $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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram$3.71
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Renting a Bike$17
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One Hour Canal Cruise$12
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Single Day Transit Pass$3.02
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport$3.95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- VIP Transfer from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam City or Back to the Airport: $100
- Transfer: Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS): $40
- Transfer from cruise port in Amsterdam to a hotel in Amsterdam: $77
- Transfer from a hotel in Amsterdam to cruise port in Amsterdam: $74
- Taxi minibus Transfer cruise port Amsterdam to Airport Amsterdam: $165
- Taxi minibus Transfer Amsterdam Hotel to cruise port Amsterdam: $130
- Schiphol to Amsterdam VIP Transfer | Meet & Greet Taxi: $177
- Schiphol airport to the cruise terminal IJmuiden. Private transfer.: $93
- Schiphol Amsterdam Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $77
- Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam | Private Luxury Transfer: $112
- Schiphol Airport Taxi Transfer | Amsterdam: $295
- Schiphol Airport Private Transfer by Van – Meet & Greet Included: $162
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Amsterdam?
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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 $41Amsterdam $93
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
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea$6.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Romantic Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $50
- Self Guided Food Tour in De Pijp District of Amsterdam: $59
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
- Taste Your Way Around Amsterdam Food Tour: $60
- 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $71
- Amsterdam : Guided Cultural Food Tour: $83
- Amsterdam Food Tour: +10 Tastes, Culture and Canals with Sherpa: $88
- Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $91
- 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $105
- Jordaan Food Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition: $107
- Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Food Tour (TOP RATED): $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Amsterdam $42
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum$6.96
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House$20
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Hour Iconic Canal Belt Cruise: $62
- 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $118
- 1 hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $118
- 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $177
- 2 Hours Amsterdam Private Walking Tour: $136
- 2 hour food tasting Tour in Amsterdam Group Tour: $106
- 2 hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab: $236
- 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $52
- 2.5 hours Amsterdam Pedicab Tour: $283
- 420 Official Smoking Boat Tour in Amsterdam: $24
- 4Hrs with a Local in Full Private & Personalized Tour.: $283
- 75 minute Blue Boat Company City Canal Cruise and Maritime Museum: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.83Amsterdam $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $28
- Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings: $77
- Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $100
- Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $103
- Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Amsterdam?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?
Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam in the Summer?
Both Amsterdam 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Mombasa is a little warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the summer, Mombasa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Amsterdam. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Amsterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Mombasa is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 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 Amsterdam. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Amsterdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Amsterdam. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. In January, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°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 Amsterdam. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Amsterdam in the Spring?
Both Amsterdam and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Mombasa is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Amsterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.