Which place is cheaper, Ottawa 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 Ottawa?
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 Ottawa. 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 Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesOttawa Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Ottawa $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $130. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Ottawa $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Ottawa $34
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Ottawa $6.97
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): $56
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $56
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $56
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $34
- Private Transfer from Mombasa: $22
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $34
- Private Departure Transfer in Mombasa: $80
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Private Arrival Transfer in Mombasa: $60
- Mombasa Kenya Minivan Airport Transfer: $100
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- YOW Ottawa Airport Transfer Service 1 Hour: $92
- Private Transfer from Ottawa Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City: $54
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Hand-Feed Wild Birds on a Nature Walk with Transfer: $42
- Ottawa Parc Omega Private Tour with Hotel Transfer: $244
- Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) to Ottawa City - Arrival Private Transfer: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $41Ottawa $28
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 Street Food Tour: $55
- Diani Beach Sunset Dhow Cruise with Dinner: $69
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise & Nightlife: $133
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Kids Cooking Class in Real Experience at Cookiddoo: $56
- ByWard Market Chocolate Food Tour with Tastings: $66
- Oh Canada Eh!? Ottawa Dinner Musical with Live Music and Comedy: $76
- ByWard Market Food Tour with 7 Local Tastings: $84
- Lower Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $89
- Evening Byward Market Food Tour: $90
- Local Market Food Tour - Downtown Ottawa: $92
- Evening Ottawa ByWard Market Food Tour: $93
- Ottawa - Taste of Canada Food Tour: $95
- Ottawa Food Tour with ByWard Market Flavors & 6 Local Tastings: $96
- A Taste of Canada Food Tour: $97
- ByWard Market Progressive Dinner Food Tour: $141
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Ottawa $39
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 Malindi day Tour (minimum 2 Pax): $194
- 1 Day Wasini Dolphin Tour From Diani Beach: $98
- 1 Day Wasini Snorkelling Tour: $195
- 4 Hours Guided Mombasa City Tour: $45
- Chale Island Kenya Tour in 4WD Vehicle: $295
- Day Tour Experience to Tsavo East National Park: $190
- Day Tour To Shimba Hill Reserve From Mombasa: $270
- Diani Beach Village Tour and Wildlife Park Day Trip: $218
- Elky Diani Glass Bottom Tour to Robinson Island: $35
- Fort Jesus & Mombasa Old Town Walking CityTour: $38
- Full Day Group Joining Tour In Mombasa From Kilindin Harbour Port: $140
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $57
- Aqua Taxi Hop-on and Hop-Off Tour: $20
- Beechwood Cemetery Evening Tour: Tales from the Mausoleum: $26
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with Rideau Canal Cruise: $58
- Chelsea: Guided Tour of the Distillerie du Square: $25
- From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour: $281
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $27
- Hidden A Private Guided Walking Tour of Secret Spots: $583
- Ottawa 200th Anniversary Guided Bike Tour: $49
- Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel: $18
- Ottawa Best Private Custom Walking Tour: $137
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.80Ottawa $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa 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 Ottawa is in North America, 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa 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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
Ottawa 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 Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Mombasa is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ottawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Ottawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ottawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Ottawa can be very cold during winter. Mombasa is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Ottawa. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Mombasa is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the spring, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Ottawa. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.