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.
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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.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesBali Prices
Indonesia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Bali $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Bali is $79. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Bali $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Bali $74
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Bali $8.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Mombasa: $22
- Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
- Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Nyali/bamburi/shanzu: $36
- Mombasa to Mombasa Airport (MBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $42
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $42
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Port to Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA): $57
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$2.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
- Ubud Highlight Private Tour with Transfer: $49
- Ubud ATV Quad Bike Ticket And Transfer: $34
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
- Private Bali Transfer & Costumize Day trip: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Jimbaran and Uluwatu Hotel: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $33
- Private Airport Transfer: Densapar City → DPS Airport: $8.88
- Premium SUV Bali Airport Departure Private Transfer: $29
- 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
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
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Food Meals for one dayMombasa $41Bali $32
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
- Diani Beach Sunset Dhow Cruise with Dinner: $70
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.11
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Lunch for Two$12
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Bali Cafe for Two$24
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Lunch for Two$7.24
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Lunch for 2$8.02
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Dinner for 2$8.80
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: $30
- Amazing Private Tour-Uluwatu Kecak Dance and Romantic Seafood Dinner: $33
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran beach: $38
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $41
- Nusa Dua: Bali Cooking Class Spice Herb Garden Visit-Free Pick Up: $42
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Bali Village Sunset Experience – Jamu, Local Sweets & Dinner: $45
- Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50
- Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
- Uluwatu Temple Sunset Tour & Dinner at Jimbaran Bay: $63
- Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
- Highlights Padang - Padang, Melasti Beach & Jimbaran Dinner: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Bali $9.71
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
- Mombasa city tour: $30
- Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
- Kongo River Sunset Experience in Canoe: $32
- Mombasa walking tour: $35
- Elky Diani Glass Bottom Tour to Robinson Island: $35
- Mombasa old town Walking Tour and Fort Jesus: $38
- Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $39
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $40
- Half day city tour of mombasa: $40
- Mombasa City Tour: $40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$48
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Snorkelling Trip$11
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Cooking School$25
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- 1 Day Penida Island And Uluwatu Temple Private Guided Tour: $123
- 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 Car Charter Tour of Uluwatu Temple: $44
- ATV Ride Adventure in Bali: $31
- All Inclusive Bali Benoa Watersports and Jet Ski Adventure: $26
- All-Inclusive: Besakih Temple & Ancient Village Experience: $78
- Amazing Day Tour: Highlights of Ubud Village Hidden Waterfall: $29
- Amazing Experience ATV Quad Bike with Bali Swing: $75
- Bali : ATV Quad Bike and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch: $35
- Bali : Instagrams Tour Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga- Tukad Cepung , Tibumana Waterfall: $43
- Bali ATV (Quad Bike)+Rafting with lunch+Coffee Plantation tour: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.82Bali $2.87
When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa and Bali, we can see that Mombasa 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).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 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).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 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).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 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).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 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) |
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.