Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?
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 Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik?
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.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesReykjavik Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Reykjavik $304
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $304. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Reykjavik $158
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Reykjavik $316
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Reykjavik $52
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 Port to Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA): $58
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $58
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $58
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $42
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $58
- Private Transfer from Mombasa: $22
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $42
- Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $113
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Nyali/bamburi/shanzu: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer To & From Blue Lagoon: $111
- The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik: $121
- Sky Lagoon Ticket with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers from Reykjavik: $149
- Sky Lagoon Private Transfer : KEF to Sky Lagoon: $118
- Skarfabakki Cruise Port to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
- Silver Circle Tour & Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $1,386
- Sky Lagoon Admission with Transfer: $257
- Roundtrip Bus Transfer to the Blue Lagoon: $59
- Reykjaböð Hot Springs Entry & Transfer: $151
- Private Transfer within Reykjavik City: $87
- Private Transfer to/from Keflavík Airport (KEF): $85
- Private Transfer to Keflavik Airport: $198
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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 $41Reykjavik $59
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
- Sultan's Spoon Mombasa Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Mombasa Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Swahili Cooking Class Experience with a Local Chef: $65
- Diani Beach Sunset Dhow Cruise with Dinner: $71
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise & Nightlife: $136
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$202
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbor Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $137
- Harbor Cruise with Three Course Dinner from Reykjavik: $139
- Food Tour by locals: $140
- Authentic Reykjavik Food Tour with Flea Market Delights: $146
- Icelandic Food Tour: $147
- Reykjavík Food Tour with 5 Authentic Local Tastings & Secret Dish: $153
- Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics: $154
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $171
- Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $171
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $241
- Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $241
- Authentic Icelandic Cooking Class in a Local Reykjavik Home: $285
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Reykjavik $82
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
- 4 Hours Guided Mombasa City Tour: $45
- City Tour with Ghalib: $76
- Day Tour To Shimba Hills Park from Mombasa: $264
- Day Wasini Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling And Seafood: $244
- Diani Beach Village Tour and Wildlife Park Day Trip: $218
- Diani Beach: Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest Guided Tour: $75
- Fort Jesus & Mombasa Old Town Walking CityTour: $38
- Full Day Group Joining Tour In Mombasa From Kilindin Harbour Port: $140
- Full Day Mombasa Excursion Tour: $162
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$12
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Wine and Spa$33
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $553
- 1-Hour Small Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar: $165
- 1.5 Hour Buggy Tour from Reykjavik – Off-Road Adventure: $219
- 1.5 hour ATV Mountain Peak adventure with pickup from Reykjavik: $149
- 2 Hours Whale Watching Express Adventure: $106
- 2-Hour Buggy Adventure Tour out off Reykjavik: $264
- 2.5 hour Twin Peaks ATV Adventure with pickup from Reykjavik: $179
- 2hr ATV adventure with Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $165
- 3-Hour Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure From Reykjavik: $339
- 4x4 Reykjavik Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Photographer: $245
- A Self-Guided Thingvellir National Park Walking Tour: $9.99
- Active Volcano Hike & Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik: $185
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.83Reykjavik $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$9.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $48
- Craft Beer and Brewery Tour in Iceland: $48
- Reykjavík Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Games: $152
- Icelandic Bar Crawl Experience: $162
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik is in Europe, 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Reykjavik?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik 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, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Mombasa is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Reykjavik. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°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 Reykjavik. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.