Cost of Living in Mombasa
How much does it cost to visit Mombasa? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Sven Scheuermeier / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
KES 4000
per day
Weekly: KES 28000
Monthly: KES 120000
Examples
- 🏨Dorm bed at Jambo Beach ResortKES 1200
- 🍽️Street food lunch at a local stall near Fort Jesus (e.g., samosas, mandazi)KES 300
- 🍽️Dinner at a local 'hotel' (small restaurant) for pilau or biryaniKES 500
- 🚌Matatu rides around town and to nearby beachesKES 400
- 🎟️Explore Fort Jesus National MonumentKES 500
- 🎟️Relax on Jomo Kenyatta Public BeachKES 0
- 🎟️Wander through the Old Town and admire Swahili architectureKES 0
- 🎟️Visit the Mombasa Tusks (Archway)KES 0
- 🎟️Souvenir shopping at Biashara StreetKES 1100
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
KES 10000
per day
Weekly: KES 70000
Monthly: KES 300000
Examples
- 🏨Standard room at Reef Hotel MombasaKES 4000
- 🍽️Lunch at Mama Ngina Drive for seafood skewers and fresh juicesKES 1500
- 🍽️Dinner at Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant for a unique dining experienceKES 3000
- 🚌Taxi rides for convenience between locationsKES 1000
- 🎟️Guided tour of Fort Jesus National MonumentKES 1000
- 🎟️Visit the Old Town and explore local art galleriesKES 500
- 🎟️Relax and swim at Diani Beach (day trip transport included in taxi cost)KES 0
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
KES 25000
per day
Weekly: KES 175000
Monthly: KES 750000
Examples
- 🏨Ocean view suite at Serena Beach Resort and SpaKES 15000
- 🍽️Gourmet lunch with ocean views at Tamarind MombasaKES 4000
- 🍽️Fine dining dinner at The Deck Restaurant at English Point MarinaKES 6000
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayKES 2500
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Fort Jesus and Old Town with historical insightsKES 1500
- 🎟️Sunset dhow cruise with canapés and drinksKES 1000
- 🎟️Spa treatment at the resortKES 0
Cost by Category
accommodation
KES 2,000 - 15,000
food
KES 1,500 - 5,000
Transport
KES 500 - 2,000
activities
KES 1,000 - 5,000
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mombasa Old Town | Mid-range | average | culture, foodies |
| Bamburi | Luxury | above average | beach lovers, families |
| Nyali | Luxury | above average | luxury, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Mombasa
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Mombasa Costs
How much does it cost to visit Mombasa?
Budget travellers can visit Mombasa for around KES 4000/day (KES 28000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget KES 10000/day, while luxury travel costs around KES 25000/day.
Is Mombasa expensive?
Mombasa is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least KES 4000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Mombasa?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Mombasa, budget KES 10000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Mombasa?
Budget travellers in Mombasa can get by on KES 4000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.