Which place is cheaper, Aqaba 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 Aqaba?
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 Aqaba. 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 Aqaba?
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.
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, and The Best Budget Tours to Jordan.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesAqaba Prices
Jordan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Aqaba $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Aqaba is $157. 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 Aqaba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Aqaba $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Aqaba $118
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Aqaba
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Aqaba? 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 Aqaba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Aqaba $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $114
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Wadi Rum: Private Transfer to Aqaba through Hotel Pickup: $69
- Wadi Rum: One-Way Transfer to/from Aqaba by Private Car: $80
- Wadi Rum to Aqaba Port Private Transfer – Comfortable & Reliable: $80
- Wadi Araba Border Private Transfer To Petra: $105
- Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
- Sheikh Hussein Crossing Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $250
- Private Transfers from Aqaba Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $47
- Private Transfers To Petra: $200
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Aqaba?
Prices for flights to both Aqaba 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 $41Aqaba $73
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 Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- 4h Jeep Tour + Bedouin Night (Dinner & Breakfast): $61
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $84
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Aqaba $54
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 Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate Dive Experience: $55
- Private Lawrence of Arabia Wadi Rum Overnight Bedouin Experience from Aqaba : $248
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
- Wadi Rum 5-Hour Jeep Tour with Camel Ride and Stargazing: $120
- "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
- 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
- 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $264
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Aqaba $9.07
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Aqaba, we can see that Aqaba 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 Aqaba is in Middle East, 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Aqaba?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Aqaba, 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 Aqaba?
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 Aqaba in the Summer?
Both Aqaba and Mombasa during the summer 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 Aqaba year-round.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Aqaba. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the summer, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Aqaba. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aqaba receives 384 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. Mombasa is cooler than Aqaba in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Aqaba fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Aqaba 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Aqaba in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Aqaba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Aqaba. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba 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 Aqaba during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Aqaba receives 295 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Aqaba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Aqaba averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Aqaba 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Aqaba in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Aqaba. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in January than Aqaba. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Aqaba. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aqaba receives 234 hours of full sun.
In January, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Aqaba. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Aqaba fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Aqaba 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Aqaba in the Spring?
Both Aqaba and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Aqaba. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Aqaba during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Aqaba receives 282 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mombasa is a little warmer than Aqaba in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Aqaba fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Aqaba 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Aqaba and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Aqaba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°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.