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

Should you visit Mombasa or Lisbon?

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 Lisbon. 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 Lisbon?

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.

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Lisbon or Mombasa?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Lisbon is $196. 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 Lisbon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $26
    Lisbon $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $52
    Lisbon $148
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Lisbon

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Lisbon? 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 Lisbon


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 Lisbon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Lisbon $29

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $7.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • sintra private luxury transfer to or from lisbon airport: $164
  • lisbon private luxury transfer to or from lisbon airport: $71
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lisbon HTL-APT (LIS): $36
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Lisbon APT-HTL (LIS): $36
  • Transfers from/to Lisbon Airport to: Fátima / Nazaré / Alcobaça..: $287
  • Transfers from Lisbon airport and to Lisbon Airport: $180
  • Transfer: To/From Airport to where you want in Lisbon: $53
  • Transfer to Six Senses Douro Valley from Lisbon: $763
  • Transfer to Sintra, Cascais, Estoril and Carcavelos from Lisbon: $132
  • Transfer to Setubal (not Troia or Comporta) from Lisbon: $60
  • Transfer to Porto Covo from Lisbon: $279
  • Transfer to Peniche /Amoreira / Baleal from Lisbon: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Lisbon?

Prices for flights to both Lisbon 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
    Lisbon $86

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 Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $2.93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pizza Cruise on a Luxury Boat with Open Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Sunset DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $29
  • Lisbon Exclusive Sunset Cruise – Pizza, Open Bar & Dolphins: $29
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $32
  • Sunset DJ Party – Sangria, Pizza & Open Bar : $35
  • Traditional Walking Food Tour: $50
  • Sangria DJ Party – Luxury Boat, Pizza & Open Bar: $54
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $57
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $58
  • Lisbon Sangria – Exclusive Luxury Cruise with Pizza & Music: $59
  • Portuguese street food cooking class with Drinks: $59
  • Lisbon Fado Experience: Walking Tour, Dinner and Live Music Show: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Lisbon $28

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 Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Divine Journey : Fatima Full Day Private Tour: $216
  • Fatima, Batalha, Nazare, Obidos Small Group Tour From Lisbon: $90
  • Lisbon Essential Walking Tour: History, Stories and Lifestyle: $30
  • Lisbon Romantic Exclusive Tour for 2 at Sunset : $180
  • Fatima, Nazare, Obidos, mira de aire cave private tour: $239
  • Private Sailing Experience: $180
  • Private Walking Tour - Wandering Around Lisbon: $114
  • Sintra or Cascais Half-day Private Tour - The real portuguese essence!: $132
  • Sintra, Cascais and Estoril Coast with Tickets from Lisbon: $77
  • from Sintra half-day sightseeing tour: $205
  • Évora Historical Private Tour : $156
  • Évora Wine & Heritage Tour from Lisbon : $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.79
    Lisbon $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • Lisbon Port Wine Tasting at Taylors Shop and Tasting Room: $19
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots & VIP Club Entry: $23
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar (Premium Upgrade Available): $23
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: Unlimited Drinks, Shots & V.I.P Club Entry: $23
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $24
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting: $25
  • Guided Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif: $28
  • Port Wine Tasting Apéritif/Digestif at Portuguese Wine Bar: $29
  • Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $29
  • Lisbon Wine Tasting: $29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon 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 Lisbon 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Lisbon?

Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Lisbon, 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 Lisbon?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon in the Summer?

Both Lisbon and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Lisbon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Lisbon averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives less sunshine than Lisbon during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Lisbon. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Lisbon in the Autumn?

Both Lisbon 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Lisbon. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Lisbon. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Lisbon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Lisbon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mombasa is much warmer than Lisbon in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Lisbon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Lisbon during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Lisbon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Lisbon. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mombasa is much warmer than Lisbon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Lisbon averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the spring, Mombasa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun.

Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Lisbon. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Lisbon and Mombasa

Mombasa Lisbon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)