Which place is cheaper, Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza?
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 Fortaleza. 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 Fortaleza?
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.
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, and The Best Eco Tours in Brazil.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesFortaleza Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Fortaleza $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Fortaleza is $83. 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 Fortaleza in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Fortaleza $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Fortaleza $58
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Fortaleza
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Fortaleza? 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 Fortaleza Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Fortaleza $20
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Beach Park: $11
- Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $28
- Transfer from Fortaleza Airport to Hotels in Orla Marítima: $8.62
- Transfer 4x4 Regular Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $90
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
- Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $17
- Round trip transfer to Jericoacoara: $56
- Private Transfer from Praia das Fontes to Fortaleza (FOR) Airport : $87
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza Port to Fortaleza Airport (FOR): $79
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza Hotels to Fortaleza Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza Cruise Port to Fortaleza hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza Cruise Port to Fortaleza city: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Fortaleza?
Prices for flights to both Fortaleza 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 $41Fortaleza $39
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Fortaleza $15
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
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $14
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
- Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $23
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
- Fortaleza Historical & Cultural Discovery Private Tour: $178
- Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
- Fortaleza Private Walking Tour with a Local: $31
- Full Day Beach Tour In Cumbuco: $37
- Full Day Premium Tour in Jericoacoara: $61
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $12
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco from Fortaleza: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Fortaleza $9.58
When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa and Fortaleza, we can see that Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza is in South America, 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 Fortaleza Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Fortaleza?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Fortaleza, 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 Fortaleza?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Fortaleza. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Fortaleza because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Mombasa is cooler than Fortaleza in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Fortaleza fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Fortaleza receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Fortalezain January. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. Also, January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMombasa 24°C (75°F)Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Fortaleza in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Fortaleza. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Fortaleza this time of year.
In the autumn, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Fortaleza. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Fortaleza averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Fortalezain April. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fortaleza receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets less rain in October than Fortalezain April. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 356 mm (14 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMombasa 26°C (79°F)Fortaleza 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Fortaleza in the Winter?
Both Fortaleza and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Fortaleza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Fortalezain July. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Fortaleza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Fortaleza during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Fortaleza receives 256 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Fortalezain July. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Fortaleza is July to January. The rainy season in Fortaleza is January to July.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMombasa 27°C (81°F)Fortaleza 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Fortaleza in the Spring?
Both Fortaleza 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fortaleza in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Fortaleza in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Fortaleza fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Fortalezain October. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fortaleza receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Fortalezain October. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMombasa 27°C (81°F)Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Fortaleza and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Fortaleza | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.