Which place is cheaper, Chiang Mai or Mombasa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Mombasa or Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai. 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 Chiang Mai?
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.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket.
-
Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesChiang Mai Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Chiang Mai $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Chiang Mai is $61. 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 Chiang Mai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Chiang Mai $30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Chiang Mai $60
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Chiang Mai
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Chiang Mai? 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 Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Chiang Mai $4.18
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 Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Tuk Tuk Ride$1.26
-
Moped Rental$5.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $220
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $15
- Sticky Waterfall Retreat and Chet Si Fountain Transfer: $21
- Private Vehicle: Transfer from Airport in Chiang Mai: $21
- Private Transfer: Four Seasons Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport: $28
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai Or Pai to Chiang Mai: $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $175
- Private Transfer Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel in Chiang Mai by Car and Van: $42
- Private Car Transfer – Chiang Mai Airport: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer : Chiang Mai International Airport (SHA Plus): $17
- Private Arrival Transfer - Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Hotel(SHA Plus): $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Chiang Mai?
Prices for flights to both Chiang Mai 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 dayMombasa $41Chiang Mai $21
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 Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
-
Sit Down Dinner (for One)$6.12
-
Roti Snack (Bread)$0.75
-
Casual Breakfast$1.26
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
-
Mangoes$0.94
-
Coffee$1.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $10
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $10
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class : $29
- Evening Thai cooking class : $29
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $29
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $31
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Chiang Mai $14
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Thai Cooking Class$41
-
Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.88
-
Kratong Lessons$3.14
-
Pedicure$4.71
-
Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.65
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai ATV, Hiking and Rafting Adventure: $81
- Chiang Mai Half Day Rice Planting and Cultural Experience: $51
- Chiang Mai Trekking Tour :Full day (no rafting): $57
- Doi suthep temple & Hidden temple half day private tour(5 hrs.) : $48
- Skyline Jungle Luge and Zipline Adventure Chiang Mai: $58
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $156
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province : $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $191
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $86
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $172
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $138
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Chiang Mai $7.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
-
Wine$3.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Chiang Mai, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Chiang Mai is in Asia, 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 Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Mombasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mombasa than you might in Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Chiang Mai, 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 Chiang Mai?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Mombasa or Chiang Mai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Chiang Mai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Chiang Mai. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Chiang Mai during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa is generally cooler than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Chiang Mai 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Chiang Mai. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets less rain in October than Chiang Mai. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Chiang Mai. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Chiang Mai 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Chiang Mai in the Winter?
Both Chiang Mai and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. In January, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chiang Mai during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Mombasa is a little warmer than Chiang Mai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 23°C (74°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Chiang Mai 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Chiang Mai in the Spring?
Both Chiang Mai 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Chiang Mai. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In April, Mombasa is generally cooler than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Chiang Mai 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Chiang Mai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.