Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay?
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 Montego Bay. 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 Montego Bay?
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.
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Montego Bay $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $255. 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 Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Montego Bay $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Montego Bay $200
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Montego Bay? 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 Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Montego Bay $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Safe Private Airport Transfer in Mombasa: $19
- Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
- Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $79
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- VIP Luxury Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Montego Bay/ Falmouth: $70
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $61
- Sangster Airport Montego Bay Transfer to Montego Bay or Falmouth: $16
- Sandals South Coast Airport Transfer: $80
- Royalton White Sands Private Airport Transfer: $40
- Royalton Blue Waters & Hideaway by Blue Waters Private Transfer: $35
- Roundtrip Montego Bay Airport Private Transfer to Hotel or Airbnb: $22
- Riu Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $169
- Private airport transfer to negril resorts arrival/departure: $17
- Private Transfer/Tours to/from Montego Bay: $60
- Private Transfer to Dunns River Blue Hole Tubing from Montego Bay: $110
- Private Transfer to Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay 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 $41Montego Bay $139
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $10
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations : $158
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Montego Bay $31
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mombasa Guided City Tour Experience: $25
- Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
- Mombasa city tour: $30
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $35
- Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $35
- Mombasa City Tour : $40
- Half day Mombasa City Tour: $42
- Haller Park Tour observing hippos, giraffes, birds, monkeys, crocs & others: $45
- Half-Day Scenic Bike Tour: $48
- Private Mombasa City Tour Watamu Diani and Malindi: $50
- Walking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus: $50
- Bus Tickets from Mombasa to Nairobi: $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.63
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Snorkeling Trip$18
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One Tank Dive$37
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$42
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Dunn’s River Secret falls with Horse-back&Bamboo Raft Experience: $125
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $118
- Private Dolphin Cove Adventure : $250
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 3 Hours Private Highlights Tour & Shopping in Montego Bay Jamaica: $100
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- ATV Adventure and Rick's Cafe Tour with Transportation: $238
- ATV Jungle Safari Tour from Montego Bay: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Montego Bay $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Montego Bay?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Montego Bay, 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 Montego Bay?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Mombasa or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Montego Bay. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Montego Bay. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun.
Mombasa is cooler than Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
Both Montego Bay and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Montego Bay. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Montego Bay during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Montego Bay. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Montego Bay. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.
In January, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Montego Bay in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.