Which place is cheaper, Lombok 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 Lombok?
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 Lombok. 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 Lombok?
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.
Lombok
Lombok is an island east of the well-tread Bali and west of lesser-developed Sumbawa. While Lombok is not as popular as its neighbor to the west, it is a great place to visit for that very reason. Less popularity means lower prices for accommodations, food, activities, and less-inundated tourist spots. Nonetheless, Lombok is rapidly developing in tourism, and the government is naming it and Sumbawa the number two tourism spots, following Bali.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesLombok Prices
Indonesia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Lombok $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Lombok is $55. 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 Lombok in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Lombok $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Lombok $52
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Lombok
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Lombok? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Lombok $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Malindi Hotels: $140
- Diani Airport – Kenya Coast Beach Hotel Transfers: $131
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $112
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $93
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To South Coast Diani Hotels: $79
- From Mombasa Airport: Diani transfer in a minivan (5 pax): $75
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $72
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Port to Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA): $57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lombok
Also for Lombok, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Wisata Alam Semongkat to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ): $216
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Wisata Alam Semongkat: $216
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Lopok: $157
- Private Transfer from Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ) to Brang Biji: $97
- Private Transfer from Sokong to Lombok Airport (LOP): $76
- Private Transfer from Sigar Penjalin to Lombok Airport (LOP): $76
- Private Transfer from Mangsit to Lombok Airport (LOP): $34
- Private Transfer from Lombok to Lombok International Airport: $43
- Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok island hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Lombok Cruise Port to Lombok Airport (LOP): $26
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sokong: $76
- Private Transfer from Lombok Airport (LOP) to Sigar Penjalin: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Lombok?
Prices for flights to both Lombok 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 $41Lombok $19
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
- Diani Beach Sunset Dhow Cruise with Dinner: $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lombok
For Lombok, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lombok Cooking Class by Mas Oppa: $19
- Kids Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $52
- Exquisite Dinner with Spectacular View at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $64
- Lombok Cooking Class at Tugu Hotel Lombok: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Lombok $9.25
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
- City Tour with Ghalib: $75
- Day Tour Experience to Tsavo East National Park: $190
- Day tour to Shimba hills National Reserve from Mombasa/Diani: $336
- Diani: Full-day Guided Mombasa City Tour from Diani: $110
- Elky Diani Glass Bottom Tour to Robinson Island: $35
- Elky Shimba Hills and Sheldrick Waterfall Day Tour: $250
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $40
- Full Day Group Joining Tour In Mombasa From Kilindin Harbour Port: $144
- Full Day Group Joining Tour in Mombasa from Kilindini Harbour: $139
- Full Day Mombasa City Tour with a Local Guide: $130
Tours and Activities in Lombok
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lombok.
- "Private 2D1N Adventure: Explore Pergasingan Hills": $163
- 3 Days Lombok Sharing Tour: $147
- 3D 2N Mount Rinjani Trekking Tour To Summit And Lake: $232
- Benang Kelambu & Stokel (Waterfall Tour): $67
- Benang Kelambu & Stokel Waterfalls and Handweaving Village Tour: $60
- Best Lombok Rice Terrace Walking Tour With Waterfall & Monkey: $60
- Best Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls Tour: $70
- Dirt Bike Adventure at Kuta Lombok: $126
- Discover Lombok Half Day City Tour: $94
- Discover the Best of South Beaches & Culture: Exclusive Tour: $54
- Exclusive Private Experience: 5 Secret Gili Islands: $81
- Exclusive Private Lombok Car Hire & Customized Tour: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.82Lombok $7.32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Lombok, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Lombok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Lombok is in Asia, 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 Lombok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lombok 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 Mombasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mombasa than you might in Lombok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Lombok Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Mombasa or Lombok?
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 Lombok in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Lombok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Lombok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
May to September in Lombok is the dry season. In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Lombok. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Lombok in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Lombok fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Lombok 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Lombok in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Lombok. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lombok throughout the year.
November to April in Lombok is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Lombok. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets less rain in October than Lombok. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Lombok. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Lombok averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Lombok 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Lombok in the Winter?
Both Lombok and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Lombok. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Lombok during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Lombok 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Lombok in the Spring?
Both Lombok 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lombok year-round.
May to September is the dry season in Lombok. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Lombok. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Lombok in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Lombok 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Lombok and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Lombok | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.