Which place is cheaper, Asilah or Mombasa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Mombasa or Asilah?
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 Asilah. 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 Asilah?
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.
Asilah
Spend your summers like the rich and famous with a trip to Asilah, Morocco. With pristine, white buildings and wrought-iron windows, this gorgeous city still holds the traditions from a time when it was under Spanish rule. The town remains rather quiet for most of the year, with a population surge in the summer months. Beaches are packed and there are tourists as far as the eye can see. If you're not a fan of crowds, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the weather is nice, but the tourists are gone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco, and The Best Budget Tours to Morocco.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $65Asilah $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $65, while the average daily cost in Asilah is $66. 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 Asilah in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $27Asilah $29
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $54Asilah $58
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Asilah
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Asilah? 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 Asilah Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Asilah $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Malindi Hotels: $131
- Diani Airport – Kenya Coast Beach Hotel Transfers: $131
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $105
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $87
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Vipingo and Kilifi: $86
- Private Departure Transfer in Mombasa: $80
- Airport Transfer from Mombasa Moi International Airport(MBA): $75
- Airport Transfers to Watamu and Malindi : $75
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To South Coast Diani Hotels: $74
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asilah
Also for Asilah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tangier: Private Transfer to Asilah: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Asilah?
Prices for flights to both Asilah 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 $24Asilah $24
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
Typical Food Prices in Asilah
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Asilah:
-
Cookies$0.50
-
Breakfast for Two$4.98
-
Tagine Dinner for 2$7.48
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Asilah $22
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Full Day Private Mombasa Tour: $170
- Mombasa Getaway with Haller Park Tours: $130
- Private Tour of Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa: $270
- The Best Of Mombasa Walking Tour: $208
- 1 Day Malindi day Tour (minimum 2 Pax): $194
- Aquatic experiences at the coastal of Mombasa-Nyali.: $90
- Day Tour To Mombasa: $145
- Day Tour to Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa: $268
- Day tour to Tsavo east national park from Mombasa: $279
- Dolphin tour and snorkeling in kisite marine park / wasini island: $70
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $30
- Full Day Mombasa Excursion Tour : $133
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.99Asilah $6.98
When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa and Asilah, we can see that Asilah is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Asilah Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Asilah?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Asilah. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Asilah, 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 Asilah?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Mombasa or Asilah in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Asilah. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Asilah attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Asilah. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Asilah this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Asilah during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Asilah receives 346 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Asilah. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Asilah averages at about 24°C (74°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Asilah 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Asilah in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Asilah. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Asilah throughout the year.
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Asilah. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Asilah. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Asilah. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asilah receives 235 hours of full sun.
In October, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Asilah. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Asilah fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Asilah 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Asilah in the Winter?
Both Asilah and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Asilah because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Asilah. In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Asilah. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Asilah during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Asilah receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.
Mombasa is much warmer than Asilah in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Asilah fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Asilah 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Asilah in the Spring?
Both Asilah and Mombasa during the spring 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 Asilah year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Asilah. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Asilah, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Asilah. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Asilah receives 251 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Mombasa is much warmer than Asilah. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Asilah averages at about 15°C (60°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Asilah 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Asilah and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Asilah | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.