Which place is cheaper, Jaco 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 Jaco?
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 Jaco. 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 Jaco?
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.
Jaco
Jaco is a beach destination on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This resort city is located in the county of Garabito in the Puntarenas province. It has a population of about 10,000 residents and a 2.5 mile long beach that is an excellent surfing destination.
Because Jaco is located on the coast, it's weather is influenced by the water. The climate is humid with a relative humidity of about 80%, but climbing to 90% in the month of June. The temperature is usually between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons with August through early December being the rainy season and late December through early April being the dry season. Rain is irregular during the rest of the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesJaco Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Jaco $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Jaco is $119. 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 Jaco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Jaco $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Jaco $134
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Jaco
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Jaco? 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 Jaco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Jaco -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Mombasa (Moi Airport/SGR) To Diani: $35
- Safe Private Airport Transfer in Mombasa: $19
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaco
Also for Jaco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Jaco beach from San José or the airport one way: $235
- Shuttle & transfer rides to SJO Airport Costa Rica: $55
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Playa Jaco Puntarenas: $63
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Jaco Beach Puntarenas: $66
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Cobano Puntarenas: $63
- Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service: $70
- One-Way Private Transfer from Quepos - Manuel Antonio to Uvita: $249
- One-Way Private Transfer from Jaco to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $175
- Jaco/Monteverde to Liberia Airport (LIR) - Departure Transfer : $203
- Jaco to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - Departure Private Transfer: $143
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Jaco?
Prices for flights to both Jaco 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 $41Jaco $36
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 Jaco
For Jaco, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hermosa BeachLlunch$3.94
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Tsunami Sushi Dinner$18
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Taco Bar Dinner$9.00
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Pizza & Smoothie Lunch$6.30
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Ice Cream$5.91
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Breakfast Taco Bar$3.34
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Fruit Plate$2.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaco
For Jaco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Night Jungle Tour with Dinner (Rainmaker Park): $65
- Costa Rican cooking class with cookbook author Melissa Guzman: $85
- Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jaco: $87
- TICO Private Walking Food Tour: $103
- Traditional Costa Rican cooking class and meal with a modern twist: $139
- Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Jaco $60
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaco
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Jaco's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Dance Class$9.81
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Surf Lesson$49
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Bike Rental$9.81
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Tortuga Island Tour$98
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Massage$44
Tours and Activities in Jaco
For Jaco, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- All Inclusive Catamaran Day Tour to Tortuga Island: $169
- Ocean views Zip Line Canopy Tour in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos : $71
- 10 WATERFALLS and NATURAL POOLS HIKING EXPERIENCE 4x4 TRUCK RIDE: $60
- 2 HRS Buggy Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos: $212
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Adventure Jaco: $75
- 2 Hour ATV Tour and 2 Hour Zipline Experience in Jaco: $119
- 2 hour Double ATV Tour + Waterfalls in Jaco Beach : $99
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $120
- 3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure: $95
- 3-Hour Private Guided Experience of 7 Course Contemporary Indian Tasting Menu: $225
- 4 Hours ATV and Waterfall Tour at Quebrada Ganado: $150
- 4 hour ATV Adventure + Beach and Waterfalls near Los Suenos : $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Jaco $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jaco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Jaco:
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Wine$15
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Night at the Bar$27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Jaco, we can see that Jaco 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 Jaco is in Central America, 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 Jaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jaco 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 Jaco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Jaco?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Jaco, 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 Jaco?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Mombasa or Jaco in the Summer?
Both Jaco and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Jaco. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Jaco during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Mombasa is cooler than Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Jaco 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Jaco in the Autumn?
Both Jaco and Mombasa during the autumn 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 Jaco year-round.
November to May is the dry season in Jaco. Also, June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season. Jaco gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets less rain in October than Jaco. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun.
In October, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as Jaco. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Jaco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Jaco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Jaco. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco 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 Jaco during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Jaco 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Jaco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Jaco. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.
Also, November to May in Jaco is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Jaco is June to October. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Jaco. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jaco. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the spring, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Jaco 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Jaco and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Jaco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.