Which place is cheaper, San Jose 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 San Jose?
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 San Jose. 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 San Jose?
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.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
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.
-
Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesSan Jose Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80San Jose $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $103. 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 San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26San Jose $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52San Jose $98
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or San Jose? 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 San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18San Jose $19
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 San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
-
Taxi from SJO$25
-
Local Bus$2.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $111
- Transfer one way from San Jose or Airport to Hotel RIU Guanacaste : $295
- Transfer from San Jose Int'l Airport to San Jose City (Roundtrip): $120
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from SJO Airport to Jaco or vice versa: $125
- Transfer from SJO Airport or surrounding to Manuel Antonio: $229
- Transfer TO or FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport to La Fortuna or hotels: $225
- Transfer 1 to 3 Pax Juan Santamaria Airport to SJO Hotels : $60
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
- San Jose to Puerto Viejo de Limon: Private Transfer : $299
- San Jose to Manuel Antonio: Private Transfer : $219
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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 $41San Jose $31
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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets: $29
- San Jose Cooking Classes visit Central Market: $52
- San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner, Cooking & Cocktail Class: $59
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $78
- San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner : $80
- Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José: $92
- Street Food Tour in San Jose with a Local Guide: $113
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $185
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18San Jose $21
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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 in 1 Volcano Irazu + San Jose City Tour: $187
- 2-Hour Orosi Nocturnal Tour: $33
- 3-Hour Downtown San Jose Walking Tour: $40
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- ATV Off Road Poas Volcano Adventure and Hiking for two persons.: $130
- Action Packed Class 4 Rafting Adventure : $95
- Adventure Park: $190
- Adventure Zip Lining at the Cloud Forest from San José: $138
- Airtime Zipline Adventure in Arenal: $60
- Arenal Combo Experience: Canopy & Rapell + Thermals: $65
- Arenal Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $295
- Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs one day tour from San Jose: $199
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Exclusive Pub Crawl in San Jose : $30
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $39
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and San Jose, we can see that San Jose 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 San Jose 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 San Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose 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 San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or San Jose?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and San Jose, 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 San Jose?
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 San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose 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 San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than San Jose. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose 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 San Jose during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa is generally cooler than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose 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 San Jose year-round.
December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose. San Jose 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 San Jose. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Jose 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 San Jose. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
Mombasa is around the same temperature as San Jose in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Mombasa usually receives more rain than San Jose. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose 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 San Jose during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Mombasa is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as San Jose. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Also, May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Jose 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 San Jose. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the spring, Mombasa often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
In April, Mombasa is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Mombasa
| Mombasa | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.