Which place is cheaper, Helsinki 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 Helsinki?
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 Helsinki. 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 Helsinki?
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.
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesHelsinki Prices
Finland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Helsinki $188
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Helsinki 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 Helsinki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Helsinki $83
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Helsinki $166
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Helsinki
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Helsinki? 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 Helsinki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Helsinki $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Port to Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA): $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $42
- Private Transfer from Mombasa: $22
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $42
- Private Departure Transfer in Mombasa: $80
- Mombasa to Mombasa Airport (MBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Mombasa Kenya Minivan Airport Transfer: $100
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- The Executive Helsinki Transfer*****: $261
- Private VIP Transfer in Helsinki: $77
- Private Transfer: Helsinki to Cruise Port by Business Car: $97
- Private Transfer: Helsinki City to Cruise Port by Luxury Van: $99
- Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Helsinki by Business Car: $97
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Kotka Port: $164
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Port to Helsinki Airport (HEL): $67
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Hotels to Helsinki Cruise Terminal: $67
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Cruise Terminal to Helsinki hotels: $67
- Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Port: $67
- Private Transfer from Airport in Helsinki and Vice versa: $145
- Private Transfer To or From Helsinki Airport and City: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Helsinki?
Prices for flights to both Helsinki 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 $41Helsinki $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 Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $119
- From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $168
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $184
- Authentic Lake Sauna, Swim and Dinner with Locals near Helsinki: $284
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Helsinki $31
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Group tour to Tsavo East National Park with Buffet Lunch: $160
- 1 Day Malindi day Tour (minimum 2 Pax): $194
- 1 Day Wasini Dolphin Tour From Diani Beach: $110
- 4 Hours Guided Mombasa City Tour: $45
- City Tour with Ghalib: $75
- Diani Beach Village Tour and Wildlife Park Day Trip: $218
- Diani Beach: Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest Guided Tour: $75
- Elky Diani Glass Bottom Tour to Robinson Island: $35
- Elky Shimba Hills and Sheldrick Waterfall Day Tour: $250
- Fort Jesus and Mombasa Old Town City Tour: $80
- Full Day Group Joining Tour In Mombasa From Kilindin Harbour Port: $140
- Full Day Group Joining Tour in Mombasa from Kilindini Harbour: $149
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hours Helsinki Stopover Tour from Airport: $104
- 4 Hour Best of Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $77
- 4 Hour Helsinki Tour from Cruise Port: $93
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $23
- A Private Walking Tour Through Helsinki: $290
- A Self-Guided Tour of Helsinki's Oodi Central Library: $12
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $12
- A Walking Tour Through WWI Land Fortifications: $290
- Authentic Finnish Tours: $186
- Baltic Bites - Food & Island Experience in Helsinki: $115
- Best of Small Group Walking Tour (Max 10, 3 Hours): $54
- CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki: $173
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.84Helsinki $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Helsinki?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Helsinki, 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 Helsinki?
Helsinki 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 Helsinki in the Summer?
Both Helsinki and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the family-friendly experiences.
Mombasa is a little warmer than Helsinki in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Helsinki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Helsinki during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Helsinki 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Helsinki in the Autumn?
Both Helsinki and Mombasa during the autumn 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
In the autumn, Mombasa is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Helsinki averages at about 6°C (42°F).
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Helsinki. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Helsinki 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Helsinki in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Helsinki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Helsinki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In January, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around -6°C (21°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mombasa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Helsinki. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Helsinki -6°C (21°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Helsinki in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Helsinki. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Helsinki in the spring for the natural beauty.
Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. Mombasa is much warmer than Helsinki in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the spring, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun.
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Helsinki. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Helsinki 3°C (37°F)
Typical Weather for Helsinki and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Helsinki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.