Which place is cheaper, Athens 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 Athens?
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 Athens. 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 Athens?
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.
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesAthens Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Athens $181
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Athens is $181. 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 Athens in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Athens $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Athens $148
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Athens
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Athens? 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 Athens Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Athens $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $114
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $79
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two$7.51
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Metro$1.76
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Metro$2.35
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Metro from Airport to City Center$9.39
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Taxi from Airport$41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $240
- Vip Transfer From /To Athens Center - Athens Airport : $240
- VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 8 persons: $156
- VIP Transfer from Athens Airport to City Center Hotel: $180
- VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $275
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens APT-HTL (ATH): $63
- Transfers and Guided Tours in all over Greece, sightseeing and Private hire!!: $108
- Transfer services everywhere in Mykonos with Jeep Renegade: $60
- Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport: $156
- Transfer from Piraeus port to Athens Airport and Vice Versa 22:30PM - 06:29AM: $168
- Transfer from PIRAEUS PORT to NAFPLIO, up to 4 customers: $271
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Athens?
Prices for flights to both Athens 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 $41Athens $76
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
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream$3.52
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Souvlaki$2.58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- Street Food Tour - Sample the Food the Locals Love: $71
- Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $78
- Athens's original vegan food tour: $78
- Small Group, Delicious Athens Food Tour: $81
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $81
- Get a Taste of Athens Food Tour: $82
- Athens, Greek food tour including market visit: $83
- Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $83
- Athens Walking Food Tour with Visit to Varvakios Central Market: $83
- Athens Evening Food Tour: $88
- Greek Cooking Class by Poseidon’s Temple in Sounio with Antonia: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Athens $42
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mombasa Getaway with Haller Park Tours: $150
- The Best Of Mombasa Walking Tour: $227
- Bus Tickets from Mombasa to Nairobi: $55
- Day Tour To Tsavo East National Park: $240
- Day Tour to Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa or Diani: $278
- Day tour to Shimba hills National Reserve from Mombasa/Diani: $336
- Diani: Full-day Guided Mombasa City Tour from Diani: $110
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $35
- Full Day Group Joining Tour of Mombasa : $107
- Full Day Mombasa Excursion Tour : $110
- Full day tour in Mombasa: $93
- Full-Day Tour of Mombasa: $110
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $162
- Apostle Paul's missionary journys in Athens Private Tour 4Hours: $158
- Athens Gems & Charms for the First Time Cruise Passengers: $95
- Island Swimming Day Cruise—DJ, Lunch & Drinks incl.: $107
- DISCOVER ATHENS IN 6HRS Private Tour BEST INTRODUCTION-FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS : $240
- Mycenae Epidaurus Nafplio Isthmus Canal Private Luxury Tour : $239
- Olive Oil Tasting Farm Experience, Corinth Canal, Nafplio: $188
- Seaside Flavors of Athens Sounio Tour: $228
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $65
- "A Must-See" Anc. Epidaurus, Mycenae & Nafplion Premium Full Day Tour By Locals: $216
- "Athens Highlights Tour : Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and more.": $180
- "Private tour in Athens": $180
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Athens $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- The Original Athens Pub Crawl: $11
- Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $14
- Saturday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens, Greece: $25
- Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $26
- Athens Ultimate Bar Crawl: $48
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $59
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $59
- Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $59
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $67
- Greek food and wine tasting: $71
- Noble Greeks Acropolis Wine Tasting with Private Sommelier: $72
- Athens by Night Walking and Wine Tasting Experience: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Athens, we can see that Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Athens?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Athens, 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 Athens?
Athens 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 Athens in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Athens. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
In the summer, Mombasa is cooler than Athens. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Athens averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Athens during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Athens. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Athens receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Athens 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Athens in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Athens. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Athens. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Athens fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Athens. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 206 hours of full sun.
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Athens. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Athens receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Athens 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Athens in the Winter?
Both Athens and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Mombasa is much warmer than Athens in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Athens fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Athens during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Athens. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Athens receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Athens 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Athens in the Spring?
Both Athens 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. Also, most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Mombasa is much warmer than Athens. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Athens averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Athens. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 226 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Athens. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Athens receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Athens 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Athens and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Athens | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.