Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur?
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 Kuala Lumpur. 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 Kuala Lumpur?
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.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also a fairly affordable city by global standards, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.
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 Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesKuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Kuala Lumpur $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $88. 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 Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Kuala Lumpur $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Kuala Lumpur $88
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Kuala Lumpur? 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 Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Kuala Lumpur $7.63
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): $58
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $58
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $58
- 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
- Private Arrival Transfer in Mombasa: $60
- Mombasa to Mombasa Airport (MBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
- Mombasa Kenya Minivan Airport Transfer: $100
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Malindi Hotels: $142
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.78
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.81
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Short Taxi Ride$3.78
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Taxi From Airport$23
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Bus from Airport$2.01
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$3.02
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Train to Airport$1.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Van Transfer: $77
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $77
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $269
- i-City Shah Alam Theme Park Adventure with Return Transfer: $63
- Welcome to City Highlights & Arrival Transfer: $62
- VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $97
- Transfer: Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA/KLIA2 : Arrival/Departure): $152
- Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort: $30
- Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $99
- Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park with Round-Trip Transfer: $94
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park 2-Way Transfer: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur 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 $41Kuala Lumpur $31
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
- Mombasa Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Swahili Cooking Class Experience with a Local Chef: $65
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise & Nightlife: $137
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$10
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Roti Bread$0.25
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Food Court Lunch$3.63
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies & Blue Tears Guided Tour w Dinner (SIC): $50
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 12+ Authentic Dishes & Local Secrets: $54
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
- Spiritual Healing and Authentic Cooking with Local Host: $61
- 'Kelip Kelip' Fireflies Tour include Dinner + Free Boat-Ride: $65
- 'Kelip Kelip' Fireflies & Batu Caves Tour include Seafood Dinner & Boat Ride: $65
- Firefly Tour en-route Batu Caves Include Dinner + Boat-Ride: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Kuala Lumpur $16
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 Wasini Dolphin Tour From Diani Beach: $110
- 4 Hours Guided Mombasa City Tour: $45
- City Tour with Ghalib: $76
- Day Tour To Shimba Hill Reserve From Mombasa: $270
- Day tour to Shimba hills National Reserve from Mombasa/Diani: $336
- Diani: Full-day Guided Mombasa City Tour from Diani: $110
- Elky Shimba Hills and Sheldrick Waterfall Day Tour: $180
- Full Day Group Joining Tour In Mombasa From Kilindin Harbour Port: $144
- Full Day Group Joining Tour of Mombasa: $107
- Full Day Mombasa City Tour with a Local Guide: $130
- Full Day Mombasa Excursion Tour: $162
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
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KL Tower Admission (for Two)$11
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.26
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Malacca After Dark: A Nighttime Adventure Through History": $63
- (Base On Per Vehicle Price) Private Kuala Lumpur KL City Tour: $185
- *13 Hrs Kuala Lumpur & Melaka Van Tour from Bentong w' Tour Guide: $114
- *14 Hrs Melaka Ultimate Van Tour from Port Dickson w' Tour Guide: $84
- *14Hrs Melaka Excitements Car Tour from Port Dickson w' TourGuide: $294
- *15 Hrs Melaka Exclusive Van Tour from Bentong w' Tour Guide: $96
- *16 Hrs Best of Melaka Van Tour from Fraser's Hill w' Tour Guide: $126
- 1 Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour (Private) {23 Attractions}: $68
- 13 Attractions Half-Day Kuala Lumpur SIC City Tour - (Self-Guided): $19
- 14 Attractions Full-Day Malacca Historical Tour: $67
- 14 Attractions Full-Day Putrajaya City Tour: $68
- 15 Hrs Melaka Exclusive Escorted Van Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.83Kuala Lumpur $6.97
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur is in Asia, 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Mombasa or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa is generally cooler than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
Both Kuala Lumpur 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Kuala Lumpur. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the spring, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.
In April, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 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.