Which place is cheaper, Ghent 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 Ghent?
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 Ghent. 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 Ghent?
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.
Ghent
Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.
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.
-
Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesGhent Prices
Belgium Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Ghent $164
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Ghent is $164. 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 Ghent in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Ghent $82
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Ghent $164
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Ghent
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Ghent? 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 Ghent Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Ghent $22
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 to Mombasa Airport (MBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Nyali/bamburi/shanzu: $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
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $72
- From Mombasa Airport Diani Transfer in a Minivan 5 Pax: $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:
- Transfer Ghent Luxembourg (1 to 8 places): $247
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Ghent?
Prices for flights to both Ghent 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 $41Ghent $68
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.
- Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $94
- Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $110
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Ghent $9.88
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 city tour: $30
- Mombasa walking tour: $30
- Elky Diani Glass Bottom Tour to Robinson Island: $35
- Mombasa old town Walking Tour and Fort Jesus: $38
- Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $39
- Walking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus: $40
- Mombasa City Tour: $40
- Half day city tour of mombasa: $40
- Private Mombasa City Tour Watamu Diani and Malindi: $40
- Haller Park Tour observing hippos, giraffes, birds, monkeys, crocs & others: $45
Tours and Activities in Ghent
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:
- 2 Hour Private Historical Walking Tour to Discover Ghent: $209
- Best of Gent: Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $52
- Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Tour w/ Cruise & Chocolate Tasting: $88
- Escape Tour Gent -selfguided citygame- and find the secret exit!: $35
- Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.47
- Explore History and Family Walking Tour in Mons: $238
- From Brussels: Private Tour of Bruges, Ghent and Flanders: $675
- From Brussels: Private Tour to Ghent’s Top Highlights: $195
- Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.47
- Ghent - Private Historic Walking Tour: $419
- Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track: $56
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.84Ghent $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:
- Brewery Visit in Ostend- Two 33cl Beers Included: $21
- NEW Ghent Brewery Visit, Beer Tasting Tour & Chocolate Pairing: $87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Ghent, we can see that Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ghent 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 Ghent Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Ghent?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Ghent, 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 Ghent?
Ghent 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 Ghent in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Ghent. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.
In July, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Ghent 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ghent in the Autumn?
Both Ghent and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Mombasa is much warmer than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Ghent. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Ghent 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ghent in the Winter?
Both Ghent 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Ghent 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ghent in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Ghent. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Ghent. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Ghent 8°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Ghent and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Ghent | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.