A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mombasa vs. Tangier for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mombasa or Tangier?

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 Tangier. 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 Tangier?

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.

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Mombasa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $65, while the average daily cost in Tangier 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 Tangier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $27
    Tangier $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $54
    Tangier $46
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Tangier

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Tangier? 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.

Hotels in Mombasa


Hotels in Tangier


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 Tangier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Tangier $23

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: $131
  • Diani Airport – Kenya Coast Beach Hotel Transfers: $131
  • Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
  • Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $105
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $87
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Vipingo and Kilifi: $86
  • Private Departure Transfer in Mombasa: $80
  • Airport Transfer from Mombasa Moi International Airport(MBA): $75
  • Airport Transfers to Watamu and Malindi : $75
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To South Coast Diani Hotels: $74
  • Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier

Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • transfers from Tangier Airport, port or city to Fez (Door to Door): $146
  • Vip Private Transfer From Airport/Port to Tangier Vice Versa: $36
  • Vip Private Transfer From Airport / Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $34
  • VIP transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen or vice versa: $198
  • VIP Private Transfer from Tanger Airport / Port to Hotel Vice Versa: $38
  • Transfers from Tangier to chefchaouen "blue city": $71
  • Transfers from - to Tangier airport: $27
  • Transfers From Tangier to Casablanca: $140
  • Transfers From Tangier To Marrakech: $245
  • Transfers From Tangier To Chefchaouen-Asilah-Fes-Casablanca .: $131
  • Transfers From Tangier Airport to Asilah: $51
  • Transfer to Tangier from fes via Chefchaeun: $159

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Tangier?

Prices for flights to both Tangier 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mombasa $24
    Tangier $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mombasa

For Mombasa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Swahili Street Food Tour: $45
  • Special African Dinner: $46
  • Fort Jesus Mombasa Light and music Night Shows With Dinner.: $46
  • Dhow Cruise Tour And Dinner Or Lunch Tours.: $51
  • Experience Swahili Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local Host.: $80

Typical Food Prices in Tangier

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    $1.69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
  • Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
  • Tangier food tour : $71
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
  • Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
  • Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $76
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Tangier $20

Tours and Activities in Mombasa

For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Full Day Private Mombasa Tour: $170
  • Mombasa Getaway with Haller Park Tours: $130
  • Private Tour of Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa: $270
  • The Best Of Mombasa Walking Tour: $208
  • 1 Day Malindi day Tour (minimum 2 Pax): $194
  • Aquatic experiences at the coastal of Mombasa-Nyali.: $90
  • Day Tour To Mombasa: $145
  • Day Tour to Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa: $268
  • Day tour to Tsavo east national park from Mombasa: $279
  • Dolphin tour and snorkeling in kisite marine park / wasini island: $70
  • Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $30
  • Full Day Mombasa Excursion Tour : $133

Tours and Activities in Tangier

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tangier.

  • 3-Hour Private Enchanting Tangier Coastal Adventure: $87
  • Highlights of Tangier Half Day Tour: $87
  • Luxury Tangier private Day Tour from Tarifa Spain All inclusive : $251
  • Private Guided Food Experience Tour in Medina of Tangier: $76
  • Private LuxuryTour of Tangier for 4hours: $76
  • Tangier Private Tour from Tarifa Ferry & Lunch Included : $209
  • Tangier private customized tour & camel ride experience : $102
  • Tangier walking tour with lunch Moroccan food : $60
  • The Best of Tangier Walking Tour : $208
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $538
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $510
  • 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.99
    Tangier $11


When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa and Tangier, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Africa, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Tangier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Tangier?

Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Tangier. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Tangier, 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 Tangier?

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 Tangier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Tangier. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Tangier. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Tangier. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Tangier 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Tangier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Tangier. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.

Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Tangier. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Tangier. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun.

Mombasa is a little warmer than Tangier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Tangier fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Tangier 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Tangier in the Winter?

Both Tangier and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tangier. In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Tangier. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Tangier during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Tangier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Tangier averages at about 13°C (55°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Tangier 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Tangier in the Spring?

Both Tangier 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Tangier. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun.

In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Tangier. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Tangier 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Tangier and Mombasa

Mombasa Tangier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)