Which place is cheaper, Vientiane 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 Vientiane?
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 Vientiane. 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 Vientiane?
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.
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Bicycle Tours in Laos, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesVientiane Prices
Laos Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Vientiane $24
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Vientiane is $24. 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 Vientiane in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Vientiane $8.45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Vientiane $17
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Vientiane
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Vientiane? 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 Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Vientiane $2.01
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Vientiane?
Prices for flights to both Vientiane 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 $41Vientiane $12
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 Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Vientiane $3.80
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 Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane Cultural Tour with Private Guide: $110
- 1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide: $200
- 1-Day Vientiane City Adventure: Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $110
- From Plain of Jars Tour & Homestay: $1,650
- From Vang Vieng 2-Day Tour with Blue Lagoon: $443
- From Vang Vieng Tour with Cave Kayak & Zipline: $113
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $99
- Half Day Private Tour in City Highlights: $120
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $90
- Lao Arts Museum & City Highlights Tour with Lunch: $122
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Vientiane $2.12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Vientiane, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Vientiane is in Asia, 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Vientiane Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Vientiane?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Vientiane, 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 Vientiane?
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 Vientiane in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Vientiane. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. Mombasa usually gets less rain in July than Vientiane. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 141 hours of full sun.
In July, Mombasa is generally cooler than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Vientiane 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Vientiane in the Autumn?
Both Vientiane 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 Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Vientiane. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Vientiane during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Vientiane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Vientiane fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Vientiane 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Vientiane in the Winter?
Both Vientiane 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 Vientiane year-round.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in January than Vientiane. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Vientiane. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vientiane receives 254 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Mombasa is a little warmer than Vientiane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Vientiane averages at about 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Vientiane in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Vientiane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Vientiane 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 Vientiane. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Vientiane receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane 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 Vientiane during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Vientiane receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's very hot in Vientiane this time of the year. In April, Mombasa is generally cooler than Vientiane. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Vientiane fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Vientiane 31°C (88°F)
Typical Weather for Vientiane and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Vientiane | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.