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

Should you visit Mombasa or Utrecht?

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 Utrecht. 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 Utrecht?

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.

Utrecht

Utrecht is both a province and a city in the Netherlands. The city is a unique university city with a lively atmosphere. Imagine Amsterdam but smaller, and with fewer tourists. Utrecht has the same underlying historical/magical feel as Amsterdam, but is full of locals rather than crowds of tourists. It has a population of about 300,000 making it the fourth largest city in the Netherlands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Utrecht 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 Utrecht is $271. 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 Utrecht in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mombasa $26
    Utrecht $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mombasa $52
    Utrecht $250
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Utrecht

Looking for a hotel in Mombasa or Utrecht? 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 Utrecht


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 Utrecht Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Utrecht $27

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Utrecht

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:

  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Rotterdam: $17
  • Private taxi transfer from Utrecht to Amsterdam: $111
  • Private transfer from Utrecht to AMS Schiphol Airport: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Mombasa or Utrecht?

Prices for flights to both Utrecht 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
    Utrecht $117

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 Utrecht

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

  • Utrecht Food Tour on a Bicycle with local guide: $81
  • Utrecht Food Tour with local guide: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mombasa $18
    Utrecht $51

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 Utrecht

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

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht's Charming City Centre: $5.99
  • Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht: $8.99
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $16
  • Discover Utrecht with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $30
  • Discover Utrecht's Highlights: Your Self-Guided GPS Tour: $8.29
  • Discover Utrecht’s Zocherpark in this Outside Escape game tour!: $30
  • Escape Tours Utrecht; find the secret exit and win! : $24
  • Escape the City Game and City Walking Tour of Utrecht : $36
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $297
  • Our Utrecht City Tour (Limited group size & optional Lunch): $33
  • Pop Up Jazz Club Experience with City Stories & Jazz: $25
  • Private Utrecht Food Walking Tour with 8 Tastings: $197

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mombasa $8.79
    Utrecht $28


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


Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Utrecht?

Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Utrecht. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa and Utrecht, 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 Utrecht?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Utrecht. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Mombasa is generally a little warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 24°C (75°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the summer, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 194 hours of full sun.

Mombasa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Utrecht. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mombasa 24°C (75°F) 
    Utrecht 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Utrecht in the Autumn?

Both Utrecht 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, many visitors come to Utrecht in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Mombasa is much warmer than Utrecht in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Utrecht fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Utrecht. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mombasa 26°C (79°F) 
    Utrecht 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Utrecht in the Winter?

Both Utrecht 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Utrecht can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mombasa is much warmer than Utrecht. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mombasa in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Utrecht averages at about 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Utrecht. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Utrecht receives 38 hours of full sun.

Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Utrecht. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Utrecht 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Mombasa or Utrecht in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Utrecht. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the natural beauty.

In April, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Utrecht. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Utrecht fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Utrecht during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Utrecht receives 156 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 Utrecht. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Utrecht receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mombasa 27°C (81°F) 
    Utrecht 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Utrecht and Mombasa

Mombasa Utrecht
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)