Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?
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 Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo?
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.
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Sao Paulo $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $61. 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Sao Paulo $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Sao Paulo $58
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Sao Paulo $5.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Malindi Hotels: $137
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Airport Transfers: $129
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $110
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Mombasa Kenya Minivan Airport Transfer: $100
- Private Departure Transfer in Mombasa: $80
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To South Coast Diani Hotels: $78
- From Mombasa Airport Diani Transfer in a Minivan 5 Pax: $75
- Airport Transfers to Watamu and Malindi: $75
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer in Mombasa: $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Viracopos Airport VCP to Poços de Caldas Thermal Arrival Transfer: $120
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $85
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $85
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $143
- Transfers Main airports in Sao Paulo: $65
- Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $137
- Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $242
- Transfer Viracopos Airport or Campinas City to airports in Sao Paulo: $144
- Transfer VCP airport Viracopos GRU airport / Sao Paulo city: $131
- Transfer São Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport (GRU): $47
- Transfer Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to São Paulo City Center: $42
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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 $41Sao Paulo $25
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 Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $71
- Paulista Plates São Paulo Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
- São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
- São Paulo: Liberdade Food Tour with 6 Tastings and Tonkatsu: $110
- Dinner at Terraço Italia Restaurant in São Paulo: $227
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Sao Paulo $3.98
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 Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $181
- 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions: $109
- 5 hour private tour - Build Your Own Sao Paulo - City Tour: $220
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $155
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $139
- 5h Private Tour of Sao Paulo + Gastronomic Experience: $155
- 6 Hour Buddhist Temple and Embu das Artes Tour – Art Galleries, Artisan Shops: $203
- 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup: $175
- 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $179
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.80Sao Paulo $3.46
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Pub Crawl in São Paulo: Open Bar + Free Appetizers at Bars: $30
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $59
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Sao Paulo, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Sao Paulo is in South 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 Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Mombasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mombasa than you might in Sao Paulo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.
Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryMombasa 24°C (75°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Sao Paulo. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilMombasa 26°C (79°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
Mombasa is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.
In January, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyMombasa 27°C (81°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo and Mombasa during the spring 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 travelers come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Mombasa is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberMombasa 27°C (81°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.