Which place is cheaper, Ponce 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 Ponce?
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 Ponce. 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
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 PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Ponce? 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 $18Ponce $10
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 Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $41Ponce $61
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 Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
- Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Ponce $56
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
Tours and Activities in Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 8 Hours Private Tours in Puerto Rico: $150
- Adventure in Cave and the Guayaney Spring: $99
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- Aguadilla 6 Hour Local Tour: $150
- Camuy Caves Experience Tour with transportation: $130
- Cave Hopping Tour: $198
- Caves Coastlines and Beach; Cueva del Indio, Arecibo Adventure : $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Ponce, we can see that Ponce 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 Ponce 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Ponce?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
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 Ponce in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Ponce. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in July than Ponce. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
Mombasa is cooler than Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ponce in the Autumn?
Both Ponce 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 Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ponce. It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Ponce. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce 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 Ponce year-round.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Ponce. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Ponce. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
In January, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Ponce in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Ponce 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 Ponce. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.