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

Should you visit Mombasa or Sao Paulo?

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 Sao Paulo. 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 Sao Paulo?

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.

Sao Paulo

With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Mombasa?

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

  • Mombasa Prices
    Kenya Prices
    Sao Paulo Prices
    Brazil Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Mombasa $80
    Sao Paulo $60

The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $60. 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $26
    Sao Paulo $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $52
    Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Sao Paulo

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo


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 Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Sao Paulo $5.76

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 Sao Paulo

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

  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Sao Paulo APT-HTL(GRU): $67
  • Transfer to Guarulhos Airport - up to 4 passengers sedan: $130
  • Transfer from São Paulo to Port of Santos: $230
  • Transfer GRU airport Guarulhos <> Sao Paulo / Hotel / CGH airport: $65
  • Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $38
  • Transfer (Taxi) airport to Sao Paulo: $77
  • Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport GRU to Sao Paulo RoundTrip Transfer : $158
  • Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) Private Transfer to Sao Paulo City/Hotels: $27
  • Receptive and Transfer Airports, Cities and Coast: $42
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $170
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo city hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $138
  • Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Congonhas (CGH) Airport: $123

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Sao Paulo?

Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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
    Sao Paulo $24

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 Sao Paulo

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

  • Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
  • Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Sao Paulo $3.89

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 Sao Paulo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.

  • São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
  • 4 Hour Private Tour - São Paulo: $142
  • 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
  • 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
  • 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
  • 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $176
  • 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
  • 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $240
  • 6 Hour Ayrton Senna Tour – The Greatest Formula 1 Drivers of all Time: $193
  • 6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup : $178
  • 6-Hour Private Layover Tour in São Paulo from GRU & CGH Airports: $178
  • 7-hour Private Tour Overview Of São Paulo – Optional For GRU Airport Pickup: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.79
    Sao Paulo $3.38

Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo

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

  • Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Sao Paulo, we can see that Mombasa is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa and Sao Paulo is in South 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 Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Mombasa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mombasa than you might in Sao Paulo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Mombasa. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Mombasa is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Sao Paulo. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin April. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

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

Mombasa is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in July.

In January, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Mombasa is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 21°C (70°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Sao Pauloin October. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Mombasa

Mombasa Sao Paulo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)