Is Mombasa Expensive?

Is Mombasa expensive to visit?

Mombasa is a frequently visited and budget-friendly place to visit. With a daily average travel cost of $65, it's somewhat less expensive than most other destinations in the world. When compared to the rest of Africa, it is a moderately priced destination. It ranks in the top 50% of cities in Africa for its travel costs. Its travel costs are comparable with places such as Nairobi and Asilah.



Mombasa beach resort, Kenya

How expensive is Mombasa?

Travelers spend an average of $65 per day when visiting Mombasa (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can stay fairly close to this average if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Mombasa here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Mombasa?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a weekend trip to Mombasa costs around $194 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $387.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Mombasa?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Mombasa will cost around $452 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $904.

Is it expensive to backpack in Mombasa?

Mombasa attracts a few backpackers, but traveling on a budget can be challenging because there are only a small number of hostels found here. The average cost of a dorm bed in a hostel in Mombasa is $8 per night. The cheapest beds cost about $6 and the most expensive are more than $10 per night. (See hostel prices in Mombasa here.)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Mombasa.

  • $10 for a dorm bed at TuliaHouse Backpackers
  • $6 for a dorm bed at Akogo House

Are hotels expensive in Mombasa?

If you're considering hotel prices in Mombasa, you'll find them to be notably budget-friendly in comparison to hotels in other cities. On average, a night in a hotel room here will set you back approximately $76. In Mombasa, there are about 3 five-star hotels with an average nightly rate of $125. For a more affordable option, three-star hotels come in at an average of $69 per night, while two-star hotels offer an even more economical choice at $56 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Mombasa
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 3 $125
4 stars 9 $93
3 stars 28 $69
2 stars 2 $56
1 star 1 $70

Bamburi Beach, Mombasa
Overall Rating 9.2

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Mombasa?

In Mombasa, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $18 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is less than the country's average of $40.

    • Haller Park Tour observing hippos, giraffes, birds, monkeys, crocs & others: $45
    • Mombasa Getaway with Haller Park Tours: $130
    • Private Walking Tour in Old Town : $45
    • Full-Day Shimba Hills National Reserve Tour from Mombasa: $190
    • Day Tour to Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa: $268
    • Private Tour of Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa: $270
    • Mombasa City Tour : $40
    • Walking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus: $50

    Is food expensive in Mombasa?

    In Mombasa, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $24 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $28.

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

    Is transportation expensive in Mombasa?

    The prices of local transportation in Mombasa can vary by the type of transit used. Other travelers have spent an average of $18 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $34. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    More for Mombasa

    If you're planning a trip to Mombasa, Kenya, check out these other informative travel guides.



    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.



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