Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Mombasa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Mombasa or Zurich?
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 Zurich. 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 Zurich?
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.
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
-
Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $81Zurich $366
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $81, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $366. 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 Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Zurich $199
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Zurich $398
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Zurich? 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 Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Zurich $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Mombasa: $22
- Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $42
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $42
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa Port: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $57
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Port to Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA): $57
- Private Arrival Transfer in Mombasa: $60
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers: $70
- From Mombasa Airport: Diani transfer in a minivan (5 pax): $75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
-
City Pass (2)$33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- 1-Hour Lake Zurich Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $166
- Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
- Zurich City to Zurich Hauptbahnhof Train Station Private Transfer: $198
- Zurich Airport to Zurich City one way Private Transfer: $115
- Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer to Zurich/Lucerne/Interlaken: $48
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Vals Thermal Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $163
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Feldberg - Arrival Private Transfer: $196
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Badenweiler Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $163
- Zürich Airport to Zürich city Transfer: $136
- Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $78
- Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $82
- Transfer From Zürich Airport To St. Gallen: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich 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 dayMombasa $41Zurich $125
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
- Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise & Nightlife: $135
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
-
Breakfast for 2$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates: $175
- Taste Zurich – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $185
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Zurich $42
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
- Sunset Canoe Tour on a River within the Mangroves: $28
- Mombasa city tour: $30
- Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
- Kongo River Sunset Experience in Canoe: $32
- Mombasa walking tour: $35
- Mombasa old town Walking Tour and Fort Jesus: $38
- Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $39
- Half day city tour of mombasa: $40
- Mombasa City Tour: $40
- Quasar Tours and Safaris: $40
- Half day Mombasa City Tour: $45
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $108
- Afternoon Zurich Tour with Artisanal Chocolate and Rhine Falls: $140
- Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $159
- Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $102
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride: $83
- Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $102
- Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $108
- City e-bike tour: $50
- City tour Archaeology in Zurich: $25
- City tour Zurich milieu: $25
- City tour Zurich with the city whispers from CHF 21.00: $102
- Day tour to Grindelwald, Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen: $220
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.83Zurich $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich 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 Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Zurich?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Zurich, 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 Zurich?
Zurich 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 Zurich in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Zurich. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
Mombasa is a little warmer than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Zurich in the Autumn?
Both Zurich and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Mombasa is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Zurich. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Zurich in the Winter?
Both Zurich 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Zurich in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.
Mombasa is much warmer than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Zurich. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.