Which place is cheaper, Quepos 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 Quepos?
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 Quepos. 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 Quepos?
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.
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
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 Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesQuepos Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Quepos $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $139. 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 Quepos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Quepos $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Quepos
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Quepos? 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 Quepos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Quepos $9.55
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
- Safe Private Airport Transfer in Mombasa: $19
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO): $166
- Transfer From San Jose Airport To Manuel Antonio Beach: $135
- Shuttle Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose: $60
- Puntarenas city to Juan Santamaria Intl Airport(SJO)-Departure Private Transfer : $105
- Private transfer from Manuel Antonio Quepos to Hotels in San Jose or the Airport: $269
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
- Private Transfer from Quepos Port to Liberia Int Airport (LIR): $260
- Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to San Jose City Hotels: $208
- Private Transfer from Quepos Cruise Port to Liberia City Hotels: $260
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Manuel Antonio: $79
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Quepos?
Prices for flights to both Quepos 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 $41Quepos $51
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
Typical Food Prices in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch$15
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Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Quepos $17
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mombasa Getaway with Haller Park Tours: $150
- The Best Of Mombasa Walking Tour: $227
- Bus Tickets from Mombasa to Nairobi: $55
- Day Tour To Tsavo East National Park: $240
- Day Tour to Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa or Diani: $278
- Day tour to Shimba hills National Reserve from Mombasa/Diani: $336
- Diani: Full-day Guided Mombasa City Tour from Diani: $110
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $35
- Full Day Group Joining Tour of Mombasa : $107
- Full Day Mombasa Excursion Tour : $110
- Full day tour in Mombasa: $93
- Full-Day Tour of Mombasa: $110
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 10 in 1 Tour! Zip Lines, Rappels, Tarzan Swing, Waterfalls & More: $158
- 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
- 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos: $85
- 2-Hour Kayak Tour in Quepos Mangroves – See Monkeys & Sloths: $65
- 4-Hour ATV Adventure in Naranjito: $80
- ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio: $93
- All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio: $83
- All Inclusive Zip line & Catamaran Eco Adventure: $170
- All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch: $93
- All-Inclusive Full day Waterfall Adventure: $117
- All-Inclusive Jungle Night Tour: $59
- Barista Experience Workshop: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Quepos $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Quepos, we can see that Quepos 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 Quepos is in Central 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 Quepos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Quepos 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 Quepos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Quepos?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Quepos, 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 Quepos?
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 Quepos in the Summer?
Both Quepos and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Quepos. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Mombasa is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Quepos 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Quepos in the Autumn?
Both Quepos 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season. Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets less rain in October than Quepos. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Quepos. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Quepos. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Quepos in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Quepos. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Quepos. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos 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 Quepos during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Quepos in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Quepos. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Quepos is May to November. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Quepos. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the spring, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Quepos 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Quepos and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Quepos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.