Which place is cheaper, Zanzibar or Paphos?
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 Paphos or Zanzibar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Zanzibar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Paphos or Zanzibar?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, and The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania.
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Paphos Prices
Cyprus PricesZanzibar Prices
Tanzania Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos €125Zanzibar €55
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, while the average daily cost in Zanzibar is €55. 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 Paphos and Zanzibar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos €48Zanzibar €21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos €96Zanzibar €42
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Zanzibar
Looking for a hotel in Paphos or Zanzibar? 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Zanzibar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos €12Zanzibar €9.72
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Blue Lagoon Boat Adventure with Bus Transfer from Paphos: $36
- Blue Lagoon cruise: giant slide & Paphos hotel transfers: $34
- Blue Lagoon/Akamas: Adults Sunset with Food, Open Bar & Transfer: $87
- Blue Lagoon: 3 Hours Afternoon Cruise with transfer from Paphos: $45
- CO2-Offset Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Nicosia City: $201
- CO2-Offset Transfer from Paphos Airport to Limassol City by Van: $131
- Ocean Vision: Show & Dance Night with buffet, open bar & transfer: $92
- Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $84
- Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Water Slide & Hotel Transfer: $40
- Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
- Blue Lagoon Boat Adventure with Bus Transfer: $34
- Famous Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise with transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- Half Day Zanzibar City Tour with Airport Transfer: $30
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Paje and Jambiani Transfers from Stone Town: $35
- Private Airport Transfers in Zanzibar To Stone Town: $20
- Private Airport Transfers to Stone Town and Beyond: $20
- Private Airport to any hotel transfer: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Jambiani Beach Zanzibar: $44
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Zanzibar?
Prices for flights to both Zanzibar and Paphos 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 dayPaphos €65Zanzibar €25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $67
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $78
- Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $219
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $75
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $99
- Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
- Fully Day Private Tour Spice Tour Cooking Class and Stone town: $130
- Spice Farm with Cooking Class + Lunch and Stone town (City tour): $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
- Private Dinner on Sandbank in Zanzibar: $150
- Mnemba Snorkeling Tour, Secret Garden, Stone Town Tour, Emerson Spice Dinner: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Paphos €12Zanzibar €11
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Taste local wines and tour a family winery near Paphos city: $16
- Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with fun slide: $21
- Pafos Zoo Ticket: $21
- The Yellow Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise Swim & Snorkel: $23
- FROM 1.5 HRS Glass Bottom Boat Cruise with swimming: $23
- Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour: $29
- Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide: $29
- From Limassol Experience: $32
- Swim Cruise with Turtle Watching, Drinks & Aperol: $40
- Yellow Submarine Swim Cruise with Unlimited Drinks: $40
- Swim Cruise with Turtle Watching, Drinks & Aperol Spritz: $41
- Paphos Sunset Cruise Swim Snorkel & Jump into the Golden Hour: $41
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Stone Town Self Audio Guide Tour With Tourist Map: $6.00
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $15
- Stone town Private Walking Tour: $16
- Golden Walking Tour Of Stone Town Zanzibar: $17
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
- City Tour with French guide: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $18
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- Daily Karibu Assalam Tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos €9.98Zanzibar €5.92
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- From Troodos Mountains & Villages Free Wine Tasting: $62
- Scenic Troodos Mountains Tour with Wine Tasting from Paphos: $64
- Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $69
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $74
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
- Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $87
- Paphos Hills: Boutique Wine Tour & Scenic Escape - 4+ Guests: $132
- Troodos Mountains Vino Venture: All Inclusive Full Day Wine Tour: $137
- Paphos Half Day-Free Wine Tasting- Max 7p Group -Full A/C: $572
- Troodos Mountains -Free Wine Tasting- Max 7p Group -Full A/C: $572
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Thrilling Pub Crawl In Zanzibar. Visit 3 Unique Bars: $26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Zanzibar, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos is in Europe and Zanzibar is in Africa, 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 Zanzibar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zanzibar 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos than you might in Zanzibar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paphos Expensive? and Is Zanzibar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Zanzibar, 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 Paphos or Zanzibar?
Paphos has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Zanzibar experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Paphos or Zanzibar in the Summer?
Both Zanzibar and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Zanzibar. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Zanzibar fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Zanzibar during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Zanzibar receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zanzibar receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPaphos 27°C (80°F)Zanzibar 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Zanzibar in the Autumn?
Both Zanzibar and Paphos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round.
Paphos is cooler than Zanzibar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Zanzibar fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the autumn, Paphos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zanzibar. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zanzibar receives 275 hours of full sun.
Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zanzibar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPaphos 21°C (70°F)Zanzibar 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Zanzibar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Zanzibar. Many visitors come to Paphos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Paphos is much colder than Zanzibar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Zanzibar averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. Paphos usually receives less sunshine than Zanzibar during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zanzibar receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zanzibar receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPaphos 12°C (53°F)Zanzibar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Zanzibar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Zanzibar. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.
In April, Paphos is generally much colder than Zanzibar. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Zanzibar fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zanzibar receives 155 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zanzibar receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPaphos 17°C (62°F)Zanzibar 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Zanzibar and Paphos
| Paphos | Zanzibar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.