Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam. 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesRotterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Rotterdam $224
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $224. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Rotterdam $90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Rotterdam $180
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Rotterdam $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $114
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa Cruise Port to Mombasa City Hotels: $79
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM in Sedan Car: $88
- Rotterdam Private Transfer to Rotterdam Airport RTM by Luxury Van: $96
- Rotterdam Airport(RTM) to Rotterdam - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam in Sedan Car: $88
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Private Transfer to Rotterdam by Luxury Van: $96
- Rotterdam Airport (RTM) Private Transfer to Rotterdam/Amsterdam: $35
- Private transfer: Rotterdam>Amsterdam, 2h Stop in De Haar Castle: $277
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $287
- Private transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam, 2h Sightseeing Stop: $277
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to Amsterdam: $176
- Private transfer from Rotterdam cruise port to AMS Schiphol: $176
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to or from Rotterdam: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $41Rotterdam $109
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 Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $81
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $88
- Food Tour by Bike: $105
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $105
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $106
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $106
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $176
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Rotterdam $37
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 Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Unique Bike Adventure Gouda: cheese, snacks, drinks and lunch!: $83
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $31
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $21
- All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk from Rotterdam: $202
- Art and Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam - guided by Architects: $72
- Best Intro Tour of Rotterdam with a Local: $166
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Best of small-group walking tour: $106
- Bonton Male Dance Show Evening Ticket: $59
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.96
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $35
- Cruise Terminal Private Tour by Luxury Van: $350
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Rotterdam $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.40
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $15
- Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $20
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $53
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $582
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Rotterdam?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
In the summer, Mombasa is a little warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotterdam. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Rotterdam. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the autumn, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Rotterdam. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Rotterdam in the Winter?
Both Rotterdam and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Rotterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Mombasa is much warmer than Rotterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Mombasa during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Mombasa is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Rotterdam. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.