Which place is cheaper, Addis Ababa or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Addis Ababa?
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 Addis Ababa 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 Addis Ababa?
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.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and also the nation's largest when ranked by its population of over three million. There are also more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa. Other draws include its thriving marketplaces, spicy food, and rich coffee.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Ethiopia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ethiopia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $50Addis Ababa $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $50, while the average daily cost in Addis Ababa is $67. 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 Addis Ababa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Addis Ababa $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Addis Ababa $86
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Addis Ababa
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Addis Ababa? 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 Addis Ababa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Addis Ababa $7.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers : $260
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Kiwengwa: $200
- Private Return Transfer From Zanzibar Airport To Paje: $140
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Luxury Sedan: $125
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Zanzibar COVID-19 Testing Center Private Round Trip Transfer: $99
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $92
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $92
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $92
- Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $92
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Arrival Transfers.: $90
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Addis Ababa are as follows:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa
Also for Addis Ababa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Services Addis Abeba Airport : $23
- City/Airport Transfers-Addis Ababa: $26
- Lalibela Full Day Tour with Guide and Transfer: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Addis Ababa?
Prices for flights to both Addis Ababa 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 $16Addis Ababa $17
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
- Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Zanzibar pizza making & wine tasting: $65
- Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class : $75
- Cooking Class Tour: $77
- A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
- Kidichi Kitchen Experience: Traditional Cooking Masterclass: $105
Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Addis Ababa:
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Slice of Cake$0.12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Addis Ababa
For Addis Ababa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Local Ethiopian Food Tour Addis Ababa: $62
- City Tour, Food Tour, Shopping in Shiro Meda Market : $72
- Local Ethiopian Food Tour: $75
- Culinary Class and Food Tour in Addis Ababa : $82
- Unique Ethiopian Cooking Class and Coffee Ceremony with a Local in Addis Ababa: $116
- Private Ethiopian Home Cooking Class in Addis Ababa with Transfer: $124
- Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Coffee Ceremony at a Home in Addis Ababa: $168
- Food Tour in Addis Ababa: $205
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Addis Ababa $7.98
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- City Tour in Zanzibar : $33
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Half-Day Walking Tour in Zanzibar City's Spice Island: $63
- Spice Farm & Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar: $87
- Zanzibar Spice Tour : $124
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 Hour Community Walking Tour: $20
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- 3-Hour Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $35
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $100
- 5-Hour Mangapwani Historical Cave Tour in Zanzibar: $69
Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Addis Ababa.
- Addis Ababa City - Half Day Tour: $55
- Half Day City Tour of Addis Ababa : $60
- City tour of Addis, Transit in Addis by car: $65
- Food tasting tours, Enjera/Injera baking,coffee ceremony,Tej tasting: $69
- Addis Ababa Guided City Tour With Airport & Hotel Pick Up: $70
- Addis Ababa Half Day Shopping Tour: $70
- Addis Ababa City tour: $72
- Addis Ababa Authentic Private City Tour: $75
- “Addis Ababa City Tours”: $75
- Every day Addis Ababa City Tour : $75
- Addis Ababa City Tours Full Day With Hotel Pickup And Drop Off: $79
- Addis Food Tasting Tour : $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.72Addis Ababa $6.59
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 Zanzibar and Addis Ababa, we can see that Addis Ababa is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Addis Ababa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Addis Ababa 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 Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Addis Ababa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Addis Ababa?
Addis Ababa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Addis Ababa, 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.
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.