Which place is cheaper, Cuenca 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 Cuenca?
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 Cuenca. 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 Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
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 Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $114
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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 $41Cuenca $26
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 Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Cuenca $16
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
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Cuenca, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Cuenca is in South America, 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Cuenca?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
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 Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Mombasa is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Cuenca. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Mombasa is much warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.