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

Should you visit Mombasa or Havana?

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 Havana. 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Mombasa?

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

  • Mombasa Prices
    Kenya Prices
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mombasa $80
    Havana $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $26
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $52
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Havana? 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 Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Havana $19

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
    Havana $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

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Havana $11

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 Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.79
    Havana $5.76

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa and Havana, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Mombasa is in Africa and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Havana, 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 Havana?

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 Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana 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 Havana year-round.

Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Havana. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Mombasa is cooler than Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Havana 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 Havana. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In October, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Havana in the Winter?

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

Mombasa usually gets more rain in January than Havana. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Mombasa is a little warmer than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana 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 Havana 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 Havana. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Mombasa is a little warmer than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Mombasa

Mombasa Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)