Which place is cheaper, Auckland 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 Auckland?
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 Auckland. 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 Auckland?
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.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesAuckland Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Auckland $172
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $172. 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 Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Auckland $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Auckland $200
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Auckland? 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 Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Auckland $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Port to Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA): $58
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $58
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $42
- Private Transfer from Mombasa: $22
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $42
- Private Departure Transfer in Mombasa: $80
- Private Arrival Transfer in Mombasa: $60
- Mombasa to Mombasa Airport (MBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Mombasa Kenya Minivan Airport Transfer: $100
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Malindi Hotels: $142
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.57
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [PRIVATE] Airport Transfer from/to Auckland Airport: $107
- Waitomo Caves / Transfer Only: $163
- VIP / Premium Airport Transfers: $104
- Transfer Service: Auckland to Rotorua or Rotorua to Auckland: $178
- Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $188
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $53
- Private Transfer North Shore or Henderson to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Van: $127
- Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport Oaks: $80
- Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel: $53
- Private Mercedes Airport Transfers in Auckland: $89
- Private Luxury Transfers from Auckland Airport TO Auckland Hotels: $142
- Private Luxury Airport Transfers in Auckland – Sedans & Vans: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland 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 $41Auckland $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 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 Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $101
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Downtown Food Tour with 5 Locals Favorite Dishes: $128
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Auckland $28
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Group tour to Tsavo East National Park with Buffet Lunch: $160
- 1 Day Wasini Dolphin Tour From Diani Beach: $110
- 4 Hours Guided Mombasa City Tour: $45
- City Tour with Ghalib: $76
- Day Tour To Shimba Hill Reserve From Mombasa: $270
- Day tour to Shimba hills National Reserve from Mombasa/Diani: $336
- Diani: Full-day Guided Mombasa City Tour from Diani: $110
- Elky Shimba Hills and Sheldrick Waterfall Day Tour: $180
- Full Day Group Joining Tour In Mombasa From Kilindin Harbour Port: $144
- Full Day Group Joining Tour of Mombasa: $107
- Full Day Mombasa City Tour with a Local Guide: $130
- Full Day Mombasa Excursion Tour: $162
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$121
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $217
- 1 Night Auckland - Departure Option with Auckland Sightseeing: $237
- 2025 Award Winning: Auckland City Highlights Half Day Tour: $95
- 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
- 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $172
- AKL: TAUPO - Maori Rock Carving Cruise, Wai O Tapu & Blue Springs: $284
- AKL: TAUPO Maori Rock Carvings Cruise, Wai O Tapu & Blue Springs: $266
- Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
- Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $119
- Amazing Auckland City Half Day Guided Tour: $106
- America's Cup Sailing Experience on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour: $125
- America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $122
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.83Auckland $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $118
- Kumeu Wineries / Brewery: $133
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- Kumeu Wine Tasting & Local Flavours Tour: Vines, Brews & Views: $178
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $184
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
- Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Auckland, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Auckland?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Auckland, 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 Auckland?
Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?
Both Auckland and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Mombasa is a little warmer than Auckland in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Auckland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMombasa 24°C (75°F)Auckland 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Auckland in the Autumn?
Both Auckland and Mombasa during the autumn 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 Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Mombasa is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Auckland averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin April. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Aucklandin April. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMombasa 26°C (79°F)Auckland 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Auckland in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Aucklandin July. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.
Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMombasa 27°C (81°F)Auckland 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Auckland in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Auckland. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
Mombasa is much warmer than Auckland in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the spring, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin October. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMombasa 27°C (81°F)Auckland 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Auckland and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Auckland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.