Which place is cheaper, Geneva 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 Geneva?
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 Geneva. 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesGeneva Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Geneva $288
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Geneva is $288. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Geneva $168
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Geneva $336
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Geneva? 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 Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Geneva $11
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 Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- VIP Transfer: $83
- Transfer from Geneva airport to hotel or home: $50
- Transfer Annecy Airports to Lyon and Geneva: $167
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Montreux.: $458
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Lausanne.: $317
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Interlaken.: $881
- Private transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Geneva.: $170
- Private Vehicle Transfer from Geneva City to Geneva Airport: $182
- Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Zermatt.: $881
- Private Transfers: Geneva airport (GVA) to Verbier.: $764
- Private Transfer from Geneva Hotels to Geneva Airport: $102
- Private Transfer from Geneva Cornavin station CFF to Hotels: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 $41Geneva $105
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 Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $225
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $228
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Geneva $35
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 Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $203
- (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $200
- (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $37
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Geneva’s Old Town: $12
- Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $96
- Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $477
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
- Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $178
- Best of Geneva City Tour with optional boat cruise: $74
- Best of Geneva City Tour: International Area and Old Town: $73
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Chamonix Day Trip and Geneva City Tour: $196
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Geneva $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $262
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Geneva?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
Geneva 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 Geneva in the Summer?
Both Geneva 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. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
In July, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Geneva. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
In Geneva, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the summer, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Geneva. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Geneva in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Geneva. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Mombasa is much warmer than Geneva in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Geneva. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Geneva in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Geneva. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Geneva can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Geneva. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Geneva averages at about 4°C (39°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Geneva. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Geneva in the Spring?
Both Geneva and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Geneva. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.