A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mombasa vs. Bali for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mombasa or Bali?

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 Bali. 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 Bali?

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.

Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.

Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Bali or Mombasa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Bali is $85. 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 Bali in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $26
    Bali $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $52
    Bali $80
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Bali

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Bali? 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.

Hotels in Mombasa


Hotels in Bali


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 Bali Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Bali $8.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa

Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Safe Private Airport Transfer in Mombasa: $19
  • Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
  • Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
  • Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
  • DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
  • Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $79
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
  • Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:


  • Motorbike Rental
    $2.98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Denpasar HTL-APT(DPS) : $8.88
  • Traditional Balinese Massage with Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Ride Bali ATV Adventure Ticket And Transfer: $34
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
  • Paragliding In Bali With Private Hotel Transfer: $140
  • Nusa Dua Departure transfer to Bali Airport International (DPS): $13
  • Luxury Bali Private Airport Transfer Alphard: $113
  • LuxMe Bali Four Hands massage with Hotel Transfer: $58
  • Horse Riding on the Black Sand Beach and Free Hotel Transfers: $74
  • Exclusive Bali Airport Departure Private Transfer: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Bali?

Prices for flights to both Bali 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 day
    Mombasa $41
    Bali $34

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 Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.19
  • Lunch for Two
    $13
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $26
  • Lunch for Two
    $7.75
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.59
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.

  • Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
  • Private Tour Rafting Uluwatu Kecak Dance Sunset and Dinner in Jimbaran Bay: $30
  • Bali Sunset and Dinner: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran: $32
  • Amazing Private Tour-Uluwatu Kecak Dance and Romantic Seafood Dinner: $33
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $38
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $40
  • Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $41
  • South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
  • Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
  • Uluwatu Temple Sunset Tour & Dinner at Jimbaran Bay: $63
  • Highlights Padang - Padang, Melasti Beach & Jimbaran Dinner: $65
  • Exotic North Bedugul, Tanah Lot, and Jimbaran Seafood Dinner: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Bali $10

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
  • Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
  • Mombasa city tour: $30
  • Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $35
  • Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $35
  • Mombasa City Tour : $40
  • Half day Mombasa City Tour: $42
  • Haller Park Tour observing hippos, giraffes, birds, monkeys, crocs & others: $45
  • Half-Day Scenic Bike Tour: $48
  • Private Mombasa City Tour Watamu Diani and Malindi: $50
  • Walking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus: $50
  • Bus Tickets from Mombasa to Nairobi: $55

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $52
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $12
  • Cooking School
    $27

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $55
  • Legendary Scenic Spots Of Nusa Penida Private Guided Day Tour: $48
  • Private Tours Tegenungan Waterfall Ubud Palace & Market: $80
  • Ubud Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $45
  • White Water Rafting Adventure at Telaga Waja River : $54
  • 2 Day Tours Ubud Art Village, Dance And Other Tourist Attractions: $186
  • 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
  • 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59
  • 6-Hour White Water Rafting and Kanto Lampo Waterfall Private Tour: $79
  • ATV Tour Through Fun Zone and Scenic Trek: $35
  • Adventure Rafting Journey With Us! And Ubud Tours : $123
  • All Inclusive Tour to Tanah Lot Temple and Monkey Forest: $56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.79
    Bali $3.07


When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa and Bali, we can see that Bali 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. Even though Mombasa is in Africa and Bali is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Bali Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Bali?

Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Bali, 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 Bali?

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 Bali in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Bali. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.

Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Bali. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Bali. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun.

Mombasa is cooler than Bali in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Bali in the Autumn?

Both Bali and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Bali is October to March. It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Bali. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Bali. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Bali during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Bali in the Winter?

Both Bali and Mombasa during the winter 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 Bali year-round.

October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Bali. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.

In January, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Bali 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Bali in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Bali. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

April to September in Bali is the dry season. Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Bali. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bali during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

Mombasa is around the same temperature as Bali in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Bali and Mombasa

Mombasa Bali
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)