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

Should you visit Mombasa or Brussels?

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 Brussels. 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 Brussels?

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.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.

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 Belgium, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Brussels 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 $81, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $188. 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 Brussels in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $26
    Brussels $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $52
    Brussels $166
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Brussels

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Brussels? 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 Brussels


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 Brussels Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Brussels $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa

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

  • Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
  • From Mombasa Airport Diani Transfer in a Minivan 5 Pax: $75
  • Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $72
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Nyali/bamburi/shanzu: $36
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $111
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $93
  • Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
  • Mombasa Kenya Minivan Airport Transfer: $100
  • Mombasa to Mombasa Airport (MBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Private Departure Transfer in Mombasa: $80
  • Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $42
  • Private Transfer from Mombasa: $22

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    $5.14
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    $9.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • VIP Transfer between Brussels Airport (BRU) and Antwerp: $268
  • Transfer Shuttle Leuven Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $186
  • Transfer Chauffeur Limousines Services: $140
  • Transfer Brussels Midi Station Bruges (1 - 8 PL): $93
  • Shuttle transfer Brussels Lille (1 to 8 PLACES): $118
  • Private transfer on arrival from Brussels Airport to Ghent by luxury car: $203
  • Private transfer in Belgium Brussels Charleroi: $220
  • Private transfer from Brussels to Bruges, English speaking driver: $157
  • Private transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Antwerp: $296
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport Brussels: $128
  • Private transfer From Charleroi airport to Bruges by luxury car: $184
  • Private direct transfer from Brussels to Ostend: $186

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Brussels?

Prices for flights to both Brussels 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
    Brussels $75

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
  • Sultan's Spoon Mombasa Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Mombasa Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Swahili Street Food Tour: $55
  • Swahili Cooking Class Experience with a Local Chef: $65
  • Diani Beach Sunset Dhow Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise & Nightlife: $135

Typical Food Prices in Brussels

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    $5.26
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    $5.43
  • Cheese
    $6.40
  • Olives and Snacks
    $7.98
  • Waffle
    $3.43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $45
  • City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Brussels Food Tour: Main Dish, Beer, Waffle & Chocolate: $93
  • Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $110
  • Walking Food Tour with Chocolate, Beer, & Waffles: $111
  • Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $125
  • Food Tour of 10 Tastings - Waffles, Beers & More: $147
  • Brussels Private Food Tour: Waffles, Fries, Beer & Local History: $150
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $183
  • Brussels Food Tour: Private & Personalized with a Local Guide: $238

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Brussels $26

Tours and Activities in Mombasa

For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sunset Canoe Tour on a River within the Mangroves: $24
  • Mombasa Guided City Tour Experience: $25
  • Mombasa walking tour: $30
  • Mombasa city tour: $30
  • Nairobi Streets & City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $34
  • Elky Diani Glass Bottom Tour to Robinson Island: $35
  • Mombasa old town Walking Tour and Fort Jesus: $38
  • Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $39
  • Private Mombasa City Tour Watamu Diani and Malindi: $40
  • Walking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus: $40
  • Mombasa City Tour: $40
  • Half day city tour of mombasa: $40

Tours and Activities in Brussels

Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "From Waterloo Battlefield History Private Tour: $500
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Fall and Rise of Art Nouveau: $17
  • 3-Hours Private Sightseeing Trip in Brussels: $238
  • A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $9.99
  • Antwerp Day Trip by Train Small Group Tour from Brussels: $41
  • Architecture Tour of Brussels: $29
  • Art Nouveau's Sublime Capital: An Audio Tour in Brussels: $15
  • Axe Throwing Experience: $20
  • Battle of the Bulge & Gen Patton Private Tour from Brussels: $1,454
  • Belgian Beer World Experience and GoPhoto ticket included: $25
  • Belgian Beer World Experience: Beer Tasting + Rooftop Beer: $25
  • Belgium: Discover the best of Brussels on our guided tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.84
    Brussels $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11
  • Beer
    $6.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Mario Kart Championship at Micro Brewery & Distillery: $5.22
  • Immersive Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings - Brussels Area: $18
  • Rodenbach Brewery Tour - Roeselare: $21
  • Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $22
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $23
  • micro brewery & distillery tour + beer tasting: $29
  • micro brewery & distillery tour + beer tasting: $29
  • Discovery of the La Senne Brewery: $30
  • Immersive Brewery Tour for 2 with Beer Flight - Brussels Area: $43
  • Gin Cocktail Workshop at a Brussels Brewery & Distillery: $66
  • Beer Pong Session at a Micro Brewery & Distillery: $75
  • Beer Pong in a Micro Brewery and Distillery: $76


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Mombasa during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

In July, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the summer, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun.

Mombasa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Brussels. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Brussels 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Mombasa is much warmer than Brussels in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Brussels. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Brussels 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Brussels. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Brussels in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Brussels can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Brussels averages at about 3°C (38°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun.

Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Brussels. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Brussels 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Brussels. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Brussels 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Brussels and Mombasa

Mombasa Brussels
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)