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

Should you visit Mombasa or Accra?

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 Accra. 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 Accra?

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.

Accra

Accra is the capital city of Ghana, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Popular attractions include the National Museum of Ghana, local beaches, markets, and cultural landmarks like those dedicated to Civil Rights activist W.E.B. DuBois.

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 Ghana, and The Best Adventure Tours to Ghana.


Which place is cheaper, Accra or Mombasa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Accra is $49. 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 Accra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $26
    Accra $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $52
    Accra $42
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Accra

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Accra? 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 Accra


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 Accra Hotel Prices.

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Accra:

  • Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport Accra Ghana (ACC) to Accra city: $77
  • Private Airport Transfer to from ACC Kotoka by Business Car: $80
  • Airport & City Transfers: $100
  • Aburi Gardens Transfers: $187

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Accra?

Prices for flights to both Accra 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 $41
    Accra $18

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 Accra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Accra.

  • Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra: $25
  • Local Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra to help support wellness community center: $45
  • Ghana Jollof Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine : $80
  • Accra Makola Market Food Tour With Full Lunch: $82
  • Home Cooking Class by Auntie K: $89
  • Culinary for Social Change-Cooking Class : $90
  • Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra: $90
  • Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Lessons and Take Out Services.: $100
  • Hands-On Cooking Class With Local Market Tour Option : $130
  • Accra Ghana Private Food and Cooking Class: $130
  • Fulani Dinner Experience: $150
  • Quad Biking, Landmark Tours and Dinner in Aburi: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Accra $3.70

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 Accra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Accra are as follows:

  • 1 Day Accra City Tour: $100
  • Accra Luxury Beachfront Experience : $81
  • Accra Nightlife Experience: $150
  • Accra Private Surfing Experience with Pick Up: $250
  • Accra to Cape Coast Tour (Slave Castles and Kakum Park): $220
  • Cape Coast Elmina Kakum Park Private Day Tour: $200
  • Cape Coast Root ,History, & Active Adventure tour: $174
  • Ghana Chocolate Tasting Experience : $180
  • 2 Days Exciting Accra and Cape Coast City Tour: $250
  • 2-day Tour of Downtown Accra: $216
  • 3.5 Hours Private City Tour of Accra: $120
  • A day tour of Accra : $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.79
    Accra $5.30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Accra, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Accra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Accra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Accra 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 Accra.

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


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Accra?

Accra has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Accra, 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 Accra?

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 Accra in the Summer?

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

Mombasa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Accra. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Accra receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Mombasa is around the same temperature as Accra in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Accra fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Accra 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Accra in the Autumn?

Both Accra 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 Accra 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 Accra. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Accra receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Accra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Accra averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Accra 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Accra in the Winter?

Both Accra 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 Accra year-round.

Mombasa usually gets more rain in January than Accra. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Accra receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Accra. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Accra fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Accra 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Accra in the Spring?

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

Accra receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Accra. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Accra receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Mombasa is around the same temperature as Accra in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Accra fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Accra 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Accra and Mombasa

Mombasa Accra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 281 mm (11.1 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)