Which place is cheaper, Accra or Zanzibar?
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 Zanzibar or Accra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Accra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Accra?
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.
Accra
Accra is the capital city of Ghana, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Popular attractions include the National Museum of Ghana, local beaches, markets, and cultural landmarks like those dedicated to Civil Rights activist W.E.B. DuBois.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Ghana, and The Best Adventure Tours to Ghana.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesAccra Prices
Ghana Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Accra $39
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Accra is $39. 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 Zanzibar and Accra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Accra $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Accra $32
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Accra
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Accra? 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Accra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Accra $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Prison Island & Spice Farm Trip with Lunch & Transfer - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant Experience & Transfer - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Josani Forest Trip & Dolphin Watching with Transfers – Zanzibar: $4.75
- Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant Trip with Transfers – Zanzibar: $4.75
- Jozani Forest Half-Day Tour with Escape & Transfer - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Josani Forest & Dolphin Watching Sea Trip with Transfer-Zanzibar: $4.75
- Jozani Forest Half-Day Adventure with Transfer Service - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Sunset Cruise Experience & Scenic Views with Transfer - Zanzibar : $4.75
- Jozani Forest & Dolphin Watch Sea Trip with Transfer - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Sunset Cruise Sea Trip with amazing Views & Transfers - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Josani Forest & Spice Farm Tour Experience & Transfer - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Sunset Cruise Captivating Views & Transfers Included – Zanzibar: $4.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Accra:
- Accra Airport Hotel City Transfers: $58
- Accra Airport to Hotel Transfer: $50
- Accra Hotel to Airport Transfer: $85
- City Highlights Half-day Guided Tour with Transfers: $59
- City Highlights, Culture, History Tour with Transfers: $150
- Private Transfer in and out of Accra: $145
- Airport & City Transfers: $100
- Private Accra City Tour with Free Airport Transfer: $100
- Private Airport Transfer to from ACC Kotoka by Business Car: $60
- Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport Accra Ghana (ACC) to Accra city: $75
- Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport to Accra: $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Accra?
Prices for flights to both Accra and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $28Accra $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Half-Day Kuza Cave Swimming Adventure and Cooking Class: $13
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $50
- Spice Farm Tour with Cooking Lesson | Half day: $50
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Class: $63
- Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class with Lunch: $64
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Zanzibar pizza making & wine tasting: $65
- Zanzibar:Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Course with Spice Tour: $65
- Spice Farm Tour with Cooking lesson: $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Accra.
- Local Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra to help support wellness community center: $45
- Accra Street Food Tour: Osu Night Market Tour Experience: $46
- Culinary for Social Change-Cooking Class : $60
- Accra Street Food Tour: Makola Market Tour With Full Lunch: $72
- Cooking Class: $75
- Home Cooking Class by Auntie K: $89
- Nighttime Food Tour with Local Guide: $90
- Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra: $100
- Hands-On Cooking Class With Local Food Tours and Market Tours : $116
- Flavors of Ghana: Food Tour Experience.: $135
- Fulani Dinner Experience: $150
- Savor & Learn: Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Experience: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $12Accra $2.94
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Safari Blue Experience & Activities with a Gourmet Lunch–Zanzibar: $4.75
- Prison Island & Stone Town Snorkeling Trip Adventure - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Stone Town & Spice Tour, Uncover the Secrets W/ Lunch - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Prison Island Snorkeling & Stone Town Tour - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Prison Island Snorkeling Trip & Stone Town Tour - Zanzibar : $4.75
- Nakupenda & Prison Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Stone Town & Spice Market Trip Experience with Lunch - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Safari Blue Adventure & Gourmet Lunch Experience - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Prison Island Snorkeling Trip & Tour To Stone Town - Zanzibar : $4.75
- Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $4.75
- Wonders of Stone Town & Spice Tour with Lunch - Zanzibar: $4.75
- Prison Island Snorkeling Trip & Stone Town Tour - Zanzibar : $4.75
Tours and Activities in Accra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Accra are as follows:
- Makola Market Walking Tour: $41
- African Alcoholic Drinks Tasting Experience: $50
- Accra Guided City Tour Experience: $56
- Makola Market Walking Tour: $58
- Accra Guided City Tour Experience: $60
- James Town Walking Tour | Discover Old Accra: $67
- Accra, Ghana Guided Local Market Tour: $68
- Kwame Nkrumah Museum, Independence Square & More Tour: $70
- 1 Day Accra City Tour: $71
- Accra Central: Street Food Walking Tour with Akosua Serwaa: $72
- Walking Tour of Accra: $75
- 6-Hour Private Guided Accra City Tour: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.66Accra $4.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Accra, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Accra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Accra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Accra 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 Zanzibar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zanzibar than you might in Accra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Accra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Accra?
Accra has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Accra, 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 Zanzibar or Accra?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Accra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Accra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Accra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Accra. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Accra receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Accra. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Accra fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Accra 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Accra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Accra. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Accra throughout the year.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Accra. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Accra receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Accra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Accra fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Accra 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Accra in the Winter?
Both Accra and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Accra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Accra. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Accra receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Accra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Accra averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Accra 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Accra in the Spring?
Both Accra and Zanzibar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Accra year-round.
Accra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Accra. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Accra receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Accra. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Accra fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Accra 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Accra and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Accra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.