Planning a trip to Mombasa? This travel cost guide will help you understand what to expect before you go. Our Mombasa trip cost calculator uses average expenses from thousands of real travelers, including hotel rates, food and dining costs, sightseeing and entertainment prices, and transportation expenses. Mombasa is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and you shouldn't miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Mombasa?
A typical traveler spends $81 (KES10,467) per day on a trip to Mombasa. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Mombasa based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $41 (KES5,351) on meals
- $18 (KES2,286) on local transportation
- $52 (KES6,786) on hotels
A one-week trip to Mombasa for two people costs, on average, $1,131 (KES146,538). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Mombasa expensive to visit?
In Mombasa, budget travelers spend $35 (KES4,579) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $81 (KES10,467) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $154 (KES20,001) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Mombasa.
Mombasa is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find Mombasa to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.
Within Africa, Mombasa is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Kampala or Hibiscus Coast.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mombasa Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Mombasa?
The average Mombasa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mombasa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mombasa cost?
Mombasa on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$11
(KES1,484)
|
$26
(KES3,393)
|
$50
(KES6,484)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$8
(KES1,000)
|
$18
(KES2,286)
|
$34
(KES4,368)
|
|
Food2
|
$18
(KES2,341)
|
$41
(KES5,351)
|
$79
(KES10,225)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$8
(KES1,016)
|
$18
(KES2,321)
|
$34
(KES4,436)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-6
(KES250-750)
|
$4-13
(KES571-1,714)
|
$8-25
(KES1,092-3,276)
|
Accommodation Budget in Mombasa
Hotel rates in Mombasa vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $76 to $142. Expect prices to range from $44 for budget hotels to $267 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Mombasa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $52 (KES6,786). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $26 (KES3,393) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Mombasa include:
- Pinewood Beach Resort and Spa starting at $178
- Serena Beach Resort and Spa starting at $187
- Bamburi Beach Hotel starting at $217
- Premium Inn Mombasa City starting at $89
- Hotel Sapphire starting at $67
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip ), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Mombasa
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $18 (KES2,286) per person, per day, on local transportation in Mombasa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mombasa is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
KES2,286
Mombasa has an international airport as well as a domestic airport located near Diani Beach. Trains offer a more scenic route to the city and can transport you from Nairobi to Mombasa in about 13 hours.
To get from the city center on Mombasa Island to the beaches, you can take a taxi. Keep in mind that taxis do not have traditional signs on them, just license papers in the windshield. Buses are abundant, although can become quite crowded and difficult for tourists to understand. A popular option for short distances, under a few miles, is to rent a rickshaw-also called a tuk tuk. Rickshaws are often just as inexpensive as buses and offer more scenic routes while also allowing you to meet great locals!
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Diani Taxi and Airport Transfers for $70 details
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City for $42 details
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To South Coast Diani Hotels for $79 details
How much does it cost to go to Mombasa? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Mombasa will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Mombasa
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Mombasa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mombasa is $41 (KES5,351) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$41
KES5,351
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mombasa is around $41 (KES5351) per person, with previous travelers spending from $18 to $79. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Mombasa are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $12
- Lunch: $6 to $17
- Dinner: $12 to $29
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Mombasa boasts very diverse cuisines, including Swahili, Indian, Chinese, Korean, and Italian. There are a large number of restaurants throughout the area, especially in the Fort Jesus area of the Mombasa Island. No matter the cuisine, seafood is very popular throughout the city. The seafood here is fantastic as it is caught fresh daily from the Indian Ocean. There is a big nightlife scene, especially on Mombasa Island and on the beaches. You'll find a range of bars, pubs, and entertainment clubs.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Mombasa, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Mombasa Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings for $49 details
- Diani Beach Sunset Dhow Cruise with Dinner for $70 details
- Swahili Street Food Tour for $55 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mombasa
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mombasa typically cost an average of $18 (KES2,321) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
KES2,321
At the entrance of the city, you'll find the Mombasa Tusks, aluminum tusks built in 1956 to celebrate Princess Margaret's visit. The tusks are positioned to form the shape of an "M", which is considered to shaped in honor of Margaret's first initial. Mombasa boasts a wealth of history, especially thanks to their history of Portuguese occupation. Explore the history of the city with a walk through the historic Old Town district to see the blend of Portuguese and Swahili architecture sitting side by side. Nearby are the beautiful Hindu Temples where a guide will tour you around to enjoy the ancient artifacts, Hindu idols, and paintings.
Take a walk through the Bombolulu Workshops, founded in 1969 by the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK). The workshop employs over 150 disabled people from the local community to create jewelry, textiles, leather goods, and many other crafts. Bombolulu is the largest rehabilitation center in Kenya and is a great place to find stunning souvenirs while also supporting the community.
Mombasa offers incredible natural scenery, especially on Avicennia Island. The island offers kayaking through sunken mangrove forests, swimming in emerald waters on the Funzi Sandbar, and dining on fresh seafood in a wooden banda-or beach house. Continue exploring with a trip to the Shimba Hills National Park, where you'll find elephant habitats, free roaming antelopes, a waterfall, and the Mwalunganje forest which offers incredible views of the entire area.
A trip to Mombasa wouldn't be complete without a trip to one, or a few, of their beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches include:
English Point: This beach overlooks Old Town in the area of Mkomani. It is best for walking on the sand rather than swimming.
Nyali Beaches: Nyali offers beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for walking on. Due to being so close to the city, water tends to be polluted and not suited for swimming.
Bamburi Beach: Lovely white sand beach with palm trees and nice water quality, making it great for swimming. There are restuarants nearby to eat, drink, and people watch from.
Shanzu Beach: Another lovely white sandy beach with palm trees, although a little less busy than Bamburi making it great for swimming and relaxing on the sand.
Tiwi Beach: Located on the South Coasst, Tiwi is very quiet and has few tourists. During low tide, you can swim in the water and catch glimpses of the beautiful tropical fish swimming around you.
A nice way to explore destinations in Mombasa is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Mombasa Getaway with Haller Park Tours for $80 details
- 1 Day Group tour to Tsavo East National Park with Buffet Lunch for $160 details
- 4 Hours Guided Mombasa City Tour for $45 details
Nightlife Budget in Mombasa
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $8.82 (KES1,143) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Mombasa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.82
KES1,143
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: May 23, 2026
Traveling in Mombasa
Mombasa beach resort, Kenya
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
Mombasa is quite a large city and is divided into three different regions that are relevant to tourists: Mombasa Island, North Coast, and South Coast.
The main part of the city and the old town are located on Mombasa Island, which is divided into multiple districts, with the key districts being:
Kibokoni: Part of Old Town where there is a lot of Swahili Architecture and the famous Fort Jesus area.
Kuze: Part of Old Town with a strong Swahili culture and is quickly becoming a popular modern part of town.
Makadar: Part of Old Town which was home to former Baluchi soldiers who settled in the area before it became a town.
The North Coast region is home to many beautiful beaches and hotel resorts and is divided into the following major districts:
Nyali: Known for their beach front hotels and shopping.
Bamburi: Home to Bamburi Beach and the Haller Park Nature Trail and Wildlife Conservatory.
The South Coast region is best known for it's stunning beaches, with just one key district there:
Diani Beach: A popular beach resort and major tourist attraction because of the gorgeous beaches there.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in Marrakesh, Cape Town, Nairobi, or Zanzibar?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Mombasa on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $35 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Mombasa will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $81 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $154. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Tsavo National Park Small group Day trip - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
