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

Should you visit Mombasa or Oslo?

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 Oslo. 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 Oslo?

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo is $150. 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 Oslo in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $7.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Trondheim Private Transfer from Trondheim (TRD) Airport to City centre: $194
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $250
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo hotels: $72
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo Airport (OSL): $137
  • Private Transfer from Oslo City Centre to Oslo Airport: $156
  • Private Transfer from Oslo Airport (OSL) to Oslo Cruise Port : $137
  • Private Transfer from Olso Airport to Olso Hotels: $143
  • Private Transfer From Oslo To Drammen With a 2 Hour Stop: $155
  • Private Oslo Airport and City Transfers: $179
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $91
  • Airport or Hotel Private Transfer: $142
  • Oslo hotels to Oslo Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
    Oslo $52

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 Oslo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.

  • Oslofjord Fjord-Style Dinner Cruise: $69
  • City Tour with Traditional Norwegian Lunch or Dinner: $114
  • 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $151
  • Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $154
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $162
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $165
  • Oslo Tour with a Michelin-Starred Chef & Lunch/Dinner: $177

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Oslo $15

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 Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • Family-friendly Fun Oslo Private Guided Tour with Kids: $299
  • 2-Hour Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship: $51
  • 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour: $246
  • 3 Hours Walking Tour for Great Food in Oslo: $158
  • 4 Hours Island Hopping Tour in Oslo: $60
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Oslo's Waterfront: $8.99
  • Akerselva River Kayak/Packraft Tour: Urban Adventure in Oslo: $103
  • Akerselva River: Urban Paddling Adventure Kayak Tour: $101
  • BIKING OSLO PRIVATE EXPERIENCE Upto 8 Participants Max: $289
  • Best of Walking Tour with a local guide: $394
  • Central Oslo Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Oslo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.79
    Oslo $9.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Oslo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oslo:

  • The Original Oslo Pub Crawl: $34


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


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Oslo?

Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

Oslo 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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Oslo. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Mombasa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Oslo. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Oslo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Mombasa is much warmer than Oslo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Oslo. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Oslo averages at about -4°C (25°F).

It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Oslo. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Oslo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Oslo. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Mombasa

Mombasa Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)