A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mombasa vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mombasa or Karlovy Vary?

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 Karlovy Vary. 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 Karlovy Vary?

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.

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Mombasa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $115. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $26
    Karlovy Vary $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $52
    Karlovy Vary $90
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Karlovy Vary? 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.

Hotels in Mombasa


Hotels in Karlovy Vary


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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Karlovy Vary $30

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 Karlovy Vary

Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $141
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $131
  • Karlovy Vary to Prague Airport (PRG) - Departure Private Transfer: $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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 day
    Mombasa $41
    Karlovy Vary $52

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Karlovy Vary $13

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 Karlovy Vary

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.

  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $245
  • Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $42
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $273
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.79
    Karlovy Vary $7.53


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Karlovy Vary?

Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?

Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Karlovy Vary. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round.

In July, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Karlovy Vary. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Mombasa is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.

Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year.

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mombasa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karlovy Vary. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary 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.

In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Mombasa

Mombasa Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)