Which place is cheaper, Bergen 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 Bergen?
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 Bergen. 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 Bergen?
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.
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
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 Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesBergen Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Bergen $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $144. 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 Bergen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Bergen $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Bergen $148
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Bergen
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Bergen? 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 Bergen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Bergen $11
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 Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $154
- TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $196
- TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $257
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $156
- TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen airport transfer: $200
- Private transfer between Bergen Airport to/from Bergen City.: $102
- Private Transfer to/from Bergen Airport and City: $132
- Private Transfer From Bergen Hotel to Bergen Airport: $90
- Private Transfer From Bergen Airport to City Centre: $103
- Private Transfer - Hotels & Cruise Ports - Airport 1-14 pax: $175
- Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $114
- Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Bergen?
Prices for flights to both Bergen 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 $41Bergen $58
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 Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
- Bergen Food Tour: $174
- Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
- Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Bergen $18
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 Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- 1 hour Tour for Herdla Walking: $103
- 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
- 3-Hour Private Norwegian Hiking Experience with Local Guide: $145
- 3-Hour Private Tour Hiked through the Bergen Mountains: $167
- Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
- Bergen Day Tour to National Park Folgefonna and Glacier Lake: $225
- Bergen Floibanen Funicular Ticket: $31
- Bergen Magical Nature Tour | ViFlowExperience: $243
- Bergen Mostraumen Fjord Cruise with Local Guide: $86
- Bergen Private Walking Tour: $325
- Bergen Private Walking Tour of Historic Sites: $256
- Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Bergen $7.56
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Bergen?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Bergen, 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 Bergen?
Bergen 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 Bergen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Bergen. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Mombasa is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. Mombasa usually gets less rain in July than Bergen. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Bergen 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Bergen in the Autumn?
Both Bergen 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 visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In October, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Bergen. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Bergen 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Bergen in the Winter?
Both Bergen 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. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Bergen can be very cold during winter. Mombasa is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Bergen. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Bergen 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Bergen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Bergen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.
In the spring, Mombasa is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bergen averages at about 6°C (43°F).
Bergen 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 Bergen. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Bergen 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Bergen and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Bergen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 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.