Which place is cheaper, Istanbul 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 Istanbul?
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 Istanbul. 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 Istanbul?
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.
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesIstanbul Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Istanbul $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $157. 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 Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Istanbul $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Istanbul $146
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Istanbul $34
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Şile Marine Beach Day Trip from Istanbul with Round Trip Transfer: $60
- İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer: $70
- İstanbul Airport and Hotel Transfer: $60
- İstanbul Airport Transfer: $87
- İstanbul Airport Private Transfer Services: $81
- istanbul airport transfer: $35
- istanbul Airport Transfer: $49
- Viaport Theme Park Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $45
- Viaport Aquapark Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $65
- VIP Experience: Transfers from Istanbul Airport to Anywhere: $75
- Transfer from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport(SAW)to Istanbul Port: $43
- Transfer from Istanbul Port to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport(SAW: $43
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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 $41Istanbul $58
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 Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Food Tour 30 Tasting Stops with Audio Maps Written Guide: $8.00
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $29
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Bosphorus Night Cruise: Dinner, Drinks & Hotel Pickup: $29
- Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus View Tavern Dinner & Belly Dance Show: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show in Istanbul: $30
- İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table: $30
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $32
- Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkis Night Show in Istanbul: $34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Istanbul $38
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 Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- "Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure": $149
- 1 Istanbul Tour: Highlights, Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $278
- 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $80
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $295
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
- 2 Hours Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise: $12
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
- 2 Hours Small Group Guided Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Cruise: $41
- 3 Day Guided Private Tour in Istanbul: $200
- 3-Hour Private Bike Tour in Istanbul: $116
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $180
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.84Istanbul $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $17
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $208
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Istanbul. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Istanbul in the Autumn?
Both Istanbul 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Mombasa is much warmer than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Istanbul. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Istanbul in the Winter?
Both Istanbul 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Istanbul in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Istanbul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 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 Istanbul. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.