Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Alexandria?
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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria?
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.
Alexandria
There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $52Alexandria $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $52, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $17. 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 Alexandria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $25Alexandria $7.99
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $50Alexandria $16
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Alexandria
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Alexandria? 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 Alexandria Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Alexandria $2.49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport - Hotels Transfer all over the Zanzibar Island: $60
- Airport Pick-up Transfer To any Hotel In Zanzibar: $30
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels : $45
- Airport transfer to/from Nungwi, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, East coat and South: $60
- Airport/Hotel Transfer: $25
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Minivan: $8.33
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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Taxi to Train Station$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
- Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
- From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Alexandria?
Prices for flights to both Alexandria 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 $17Alexandria $6.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $44
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class : $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $35
- Alexandria Food Tour: $50
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Alexandria $3.50
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Africa's Paradises Full Sightseeing Package Tours: $15
- Easy Stone Town Tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar.: $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Private Stone Town City Tour Zanzibar : $25
- Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
- The historic walking Tour - Stone Town Zanzibar : $25
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.25
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.12
- Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.12
- Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.12
- Library of Alexandria Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $6.38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.91Alexandria $1.35
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 Alexandria, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Alexandria?
Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?
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 Alexandria in the Summer?
Both Alexandria and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Alexandria 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Alexandria in the Autumn?
Both Alexandria and Zanzibar during the autumn 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 Alexandria year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Alexandria. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Alexandria averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Alexandria 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Alexandria in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Alexandria. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Alexandria 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Alexandria in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Alexandria. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Alexandria. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Alexandria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Alexandria and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Alexandria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 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.