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

Should you visit Mombasa or Nassau?

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 Nassau. 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 Nassau?

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.

Nassau

There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.

As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.

Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.

Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.

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


Which place is cheaper, Nassau 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 $81, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $227. 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 Nassau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $26
    Nassau $108
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $52
    Nassau $216
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Nassau

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Nassau? 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 Nassau


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 Nassau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Nassau $32

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 Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Nyali/bamburi/shanzu: $36
  • Mombasa to Mombasa Airport (MBA) - Departure Private Transfer: $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
  • DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
  • Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $8.00
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • Transfer Service in Nassau Bahamas: $68
  • Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
  • Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $68
  • Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included: $200
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Eastern District: $185
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $159
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Cable Beach: $159
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer to Cable Beach: $179
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer: $179
  • Private One-way Transfer Lynden Pindling Airport To Nassau: $78
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45
  • Private Nassau Airport and Port Transfer (1 way): $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Nassau?

Prices for flights to both Nassau 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
    Nassau $91

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 Nassau

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.

  • Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $119
  • Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
  • Experience Breakfast,Lunch or Dinner in the sky of Nassau Bahamas: $176
  • NEW! Authentic Bahamian Cooking and Cocktails with Transfers: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Nassau $37

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
  • Sunset Canoe Tour on a River within the Mangroves: $28
  • Mombasa city tour: $30
  • Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
  • Kongo River Sunset Experience in Canoe: $32
  • Mombasa walking tour: $35
  • Elky Diani Glass Bottom Tour to Robinson Island: $35
  • Mombasa old town Walking Tour and Fort Jesus: $38
  • Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $39
  • Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $40
  • Half day city tour of mombasa: $40
  • Mombasa City Tour: $40

Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:


  • Jet Ski
    $50
  • 4 Hr Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Nassau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:

  • 1.5 Hour Bahamas Special City Tour and Nassau City Tour Package: $250
  • 3 Islands Tour, Swim with Pigs, Turtles, Snorkelling & lunch: $175
  • 3 V's Guided Scooter or ATV Tour in Nassau: $250
  • 3-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $250
  • 4-Island Tour Swimming Pigs, turtles, snorkeling , rose island,: $175
  • A Thrilling ATV Adventure Exploring Nassau Bahamas: $270
  • ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $200
  • Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
  • Atv Guided Tours Nassau Bahamas: $250
  • Audio Driving Tour Around St. Simons Island: $9.99
  • Bahamas Adventure: Number 1 Scooter and Side by Side rentals: $140
  • Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.82
    Nassau $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:


  • Cocktail
    $6.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:

  • Bottle Your Own Rum Experience at John Watling’s Distillery: $20
  • Bottle Your Own at John Watling's Distillery: $20
  • Bahamian Mixology Experience at John Watling Distillery: $80
  • Mixology Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80
  • Rum Tasting Experience at John Watling's Distillery: $80


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


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Nassau?

Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Nassau, 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 Nassau?

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 Nassau in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Nassau. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Nassau. Mombasa usually gets less rain in July than Nassau. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun.

In July, Mombasa is generally cooler than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Nassau 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Nassau in the Autumn?

Both Nassau 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 Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Nassau. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Nassau during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Mombasa is around the same temperature as Nassau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Nassau 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Nassau in the Winter?

Both Nassau 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 Nassau year-round.

Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Nassau. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Nassau. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Mombasa is a little warmer than Nassau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Nassau averages at about 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Nassau 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Nassau in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Nassau. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Nassau 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 Nassau. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Nassau 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Nassau and Mombasa

Mombasa Nassau
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)