Which place is cheaper, La Fortuna or Mombasa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Mombasa or La Fortuna?
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 La Fortuna. 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 La Fortuna?
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.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is in San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela. It is the closest town to Arenal Volcano, and the area is often simply refered to as Arenal. The volcano itself is active and has been constantly erupting since 1968. It erupts on average 41 times a day. This area of northern Costa Rica is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica.
-
Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesLa Fortuna Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80La Fortuna $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in La Fortuna is $123. 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 La Fortuna in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26La Fortuna $51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52La Fortuna $102
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and La Fortuna
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or La Fortuna? 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 La Fortuna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18La Fortuna $21
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 La Fortuna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Fortuna:
- Transfer from Arenal to SJO Airport or Hotels for up to 5 passengers ( One way) : $240
- Transfer from Arenal or Fortuna to Papagayo: $170
- Transfer TO or FROM San Jose city to Arenal - Fortuna Area. Private: $230
- Transfer International ATO to Fortuna or return one way: $200
- Transfer From Liberia Airport To Arenal La Fortuna San Carlos: $49
- San Jose Airport: Private transfer from/to La Fortuna: $230
- Puerto Viejo de Limon: Transfer to La Fortuna de Arenal: $400
- Private Transfer: La Fortuna Costa Rica: $235
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Arenal San Carlos: $41
- Private Transfer from La Fortuna to Juan Santa Maria Airport: $110
- Private Transfer Service From Liberia Airport To Arenal - La Fortuna: $285
- Private Transfer From Liberia Airport to Arenal La Fortuna: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or La Fortuna?
Prices for flights to both La Fortuna 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 dayMombasa $41La Fortuna $47
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 La Fortuna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Fortuna.
- Sloth Tour in La Fortuna and Tortillas Cooking Class: $35
- 2 Hours Private Cooking Class in La Fortuna: $45
- Typical Costa Rican Cooking Classes in La Fortuna: $48
- Costa Rican cuisine Cooking Class at Rancho Don Lelo: $54
- Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience : $55
- Costa Rican Cooking Class: $57
- Cooking Class "Cook Like a Local" La Fortuna: $63
- Private typical cooking class with a Costa Rican family: $70
- Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna: $71
- Cooking and Salsa Dance Lesson Combo : $74
- Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class: $77
- Cooking with a Costa Rican family: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18La Fortuna $44
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 La Fortuna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Fortuna are as follows:
- Sloth Discovery Tour in La Fortuna Wildlife: $60
- 2-in-1 Arenal Coffee and Chocolate Tour: $75
- 3-In-1 Río Celeste: Tubing, Natural Pool and Jungle Night Tour.: $80
- 7 Nights Costa Rica Fully Guided Adventure: $1,850
- ATV Tour Experience in Parque Ecologico Volcan Arenal : $130
- Adventure on Clouds with the Arenal Eco Expedition: $85
- Arenal 12 Zipline Cables Experience Fly over La Fortuna Waterfall: $107
- Arenal 1968 Trail Park Admission Ticket: $37
- Arenal Canopy Adventure & Tarzan Swing: $77
- Arenal Full day Adventure:Canopy Tour, Superman, Tarzan Swing, Canyoning Rafting: $250
- Arenal Hanging Bridge Tour with Horseback Riding and Volcano View: $119
- Arenal Hanging Bridges Hiking Tour: $55
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79La Fortuna $11
Sample the Local Flavors in La Fortuna
Also in La Fortuna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting Experience : $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and La Fortuna, we can see that La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Fortuna 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 La Fortuna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or La Fortuna?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of La Fortuna. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna?
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 La Fortuna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as La Fortuna. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to La Fortuna throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in La Fortuna. Mombasa usually gets less rain in July than La Fortuna. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than La Fortuna. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 164 hours of full sun.
Mombasa is cooler than La Fortuna in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)La Fortuna 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or La Fortuna in the Autumn?
Both La Fortuna and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to La Fortuna because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in La Fortuna is December to April. May to November in La Fortuna is the hurricane season. It rains a lot this time of the year in La Fortuna. It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives less rain than La Fortuna. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than La Fortuna during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Mombasa is around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and La Fortuna averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or La Fortuna in the Winter?
Both La Fortuna 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to La Fortuna year-round.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in January than La Fortuna. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In La Fortuna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Fortuna. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Fortuna receives 264 hours of full sun.
In January, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as La Fortuna. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and La Fortuna fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or La Fortuna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and La Fortuna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. La Fortuna attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in La Fortuna is the dry season. The hurricane season in La Fortuna is May to November. Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than La Fortuna. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while La Fortuna receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Fortuna this time of the year. In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than La Fortuna during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while La Fortuna receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as La Fortuna in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and La Fortuna fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)La Fortuna 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for La Fortuna and Mombasa
| Mombasa | La Fortuna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.