Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso?
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 Tromso. 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 Tromso?
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.
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesTromso Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Tromso $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, while the average daily cost in Tromso is $83. 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 Tromso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Tromso $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Tromso $64
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Tromso
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Tromso? 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 Tromso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Tromso $11
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 Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tromsø Private Airport-Hotel Transfer Service up to 13 guests: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Tromso?
Prices for flights to both Tromso 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 $41Tromso $43
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 Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase Small Group with Photos and Dinner: $170
- 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $184
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $205
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Tromso $6.59
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 Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $92
- 4 Hour Aurora Tour Photos Snacks and Warm Drinks Included: $98
- 7 hours Tromsø Aurora Tour: Photos, snacks & warm drinks included: $98
- Adventure Snowmobile Safari: $256
- Arctic Fjordcruise & Safari in Tromso with Luxury Catamaran : $149
- Arctic Nature Photography Sightseeing Tour from Tromso: $139
- Arctic Nature Tour from Tromsø by minibus: $139
- Arctic Wildlife and Fjord Sightseeing: $232
- Aurora Cuisine Cruise: $195
- Aurora tour: $134
- Auroras Hunt - Tour in Spanish, Northern Lights Chase in Spanish: $247
- Bleu Day Tour: Fjord and Landscape by Creative Vacations: $196
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Tromso $5.47
When comparing the travel costs between Mombasa and Tromso, we can see that Tromso is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Mombasa is in Africa and Tromso is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Tromso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Tromso?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Tromso, 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 Tromso?
Tromso 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 Tromso in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Tromso. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Mombasa is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mombasa in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Tromso averages at about 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tromso 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 Tromso during summer. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Tromso. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMombasa 24°C (75°F)Tromso 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Tromso in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Tromso. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.
It's quite cold in Tromso in the autumn. In October, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 26°C (79°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°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 Tromso. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tromso. Mombasa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Mombasa usually gets less rain in October than Tromso. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMombasa 26°C (79°F)Tromso 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Tromso in the Winter?
Both Tromso 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 travelers come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. Mombasa is much warmer than Tromso in the winter. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during winter. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Mombasa usually receives less rain than Tromso. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMombasa 27°C (81°F)Tromso -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Tromso in the Spring?
Both Tromso 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 visitors come to Tromso in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Tromso can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Mombasa is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mombasa in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Tromso averages at about 1°C (33°F).
It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the spring, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually gets more rain in April than Tromso. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMombasa 27°C (81°F)Tromso 1°C (33°F)
Typical Weather for Tromso and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Tromso | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.