Which place is cheaper, Faro 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 Faro?
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 Faro. 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 Faro?
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.
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesFaro Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Faro $187
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Faro is $187. 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 Faro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Faro $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Faro $176
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Faro
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Faro? 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 Faro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Faro $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $114
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $79
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from, lagos to Faro Aeroport: $100
- Private Transfer from, Faro Aeroport to Alvor: $89
- Private Transfer from Vale do Lobo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $73
- Private Transfer from Quinta do Lago to Faro (FAO) Airport: $64
- Private Transfer from Loulé to Faro (FAO) Airport: $59
- Private Transfer from Faro Aeroport to Albufeira: $47
- Private Transfer from Almancil to Faro (FAO) Airport: $49
- Private Transfer Faro Airport to/from Armação de Pêra VClass: $117
- Private Faro airport transfers (Minibus up to 8pax): $65
- Private Faro Airport Transfers to Algoz/Tunes (up to 4pax): $76
- Faro airport: Private transfers (car up to 4pax): $47
- Faro Airport:Private Transfer to São Brás Alportel: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Faro?
Prices for flights to both Faro 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 $41Faro $73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Faro food tour (with drinks) & city highlights - 10 tastings: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Faro $11
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mombasa Getaway with Haller Park Tours: $150
- The Best Of Mombasa Walking Tour: $227
- Bus Tickets from Mombasa to Nairobi: $55
- Day Tour To Tsavo East National Park: $240
- Day Tour to Tsavo East National Park from Mombasa or Diani: $278
- Day tour to Shimba hills National Reserve from Mombasa/Diani: $336
- Diani: Full-day Guided Mombasa City Tour from Diani: $110
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $35
- Full Day Group Joining Tour of Mombasa : $107
- Full Day Mombasa Excursion Tour : $110
- Full day tour in Mombasa: $93
- Full-Day Tour of Mombasa: $110
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- Amoreira River Kayak Tour: $60
- Best of Faro - Guided Bike Tour (3h): $53
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $93
- CCVAlgarve Family Ticket | 2 adults + Children: $14
- Coast Tour in Southwest Europe: $162
- Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling: $78
- Coasteering adventure with snorkeling: kids version: $78
- Discover Algarve with Vamus 3-Day & 7-Day Tourist Passes: $41
- FOUR SENSES: The Immersive Experience in the Dark - Faro: $29
- Faro Private Walking Tour: $279
- Faro Story Spot - Multimedia Museum&Restaurant: Tour&Tasting: $23
- Faro, Ria Formosa: 2 hour Sunset Cruise: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Faro $3.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- City Segway Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $106
- WINE TASTING & TAPAS IN THE HEART OF FARO: $115
- Algarve Private Wine Tour with Private Transportation: $228
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Faro, we can see that Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro 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 Faro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Faro?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Faro, 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 Faro?
Faro 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 Faro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Faro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Faro during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Faro. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Faro 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Faro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Faro. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene.
Mombasa is a little warmer than Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Faro. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Faro. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Faro 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Faro in the Winter?
Both Faro and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Faro this time of year.
In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Faro during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Faro. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Faro 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Faro in the Spring?
Both Faro and Mombasa during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the beaches.
In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Faro. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Faro. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Faro. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Faro 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Faro and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Faro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.