Which place is cheaper, Alexandria 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 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 The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground.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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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesAlexandria Prices
Egypt Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Alexandria $26
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $26. 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 $24Alexandria $9.66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Alexandria $19
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 $3.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus: $68
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels: $45
- Airport transfers in Zanzibar: $40
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Dolphin Snorkeling and Pungume Island with Lunch and Transfer: $89
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
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:
- Airport Transfer from Alexandria to Marsa Matrouh: $74
- Alexandria Airport (HBE)to Alexandria-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $69
- Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
- Alexandria to Cairo : Private Transfer 24/7 Service: $74
- Alexandria to Giza & Cairo | Private Hotel or Airport Transfer: $73
- Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Cairo: $130
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $80
- Private Transfer From Alexandria To Cairo Airport: $240
- Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $55
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Alexandria Airport: $20
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo or Giza Hotels: $68
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 $28Alexandria $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $50
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Cooking Class Tour: $75
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
- Zanzibar Spice and Night Market Cooking and Street Food Tour: $80
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $97
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $107
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Private Half Day Food Tour in Alexandria Egypt: $15
- Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $20
- Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
- Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
- Baladi Plates Alexandria Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Alexandria Food Tour Taste The Egyptian Traditional Food: $56
- 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 $4.99
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Podcast Tour Zanzibar City The Black Gold and the Broken Chains: $5.48
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $14
- Zanzibar Private Spice Farm Tour With Optional Lunch: $17
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Zanzibar Stone Town Private Walking Tour With Old Slave Market: $18
- Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20
- Stone Town Walking Tour Explore Zanzibar's Historical Heart: $20
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Traditional Drums and Fruits: $20
- Zanzibar Spice Tour to Mussa Village: $20
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
- Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $19
- Group Tour to the landmarks of Alexandria from Alexandria city: $20
- Discover Alexandria Walking Tour: $20
- Half Day Tour to Bibliotheca Alexandrina: $22
- Exclusive Tour Alexandria, It's newly opened Greek & Roman Museum: $35
- Alexandria by night private tour by horse carriage ride: $35
- Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour: $35
- Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria Islamic architecture: $37
- Catacombs of kom el shoqafa Guided Walking Tour: $40
- Alexandria Day Tour Visit the Tob attractions of Alexandria City: $40
- Walking Tour in Alexandria from Alexandria Hotels: $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Alexandria $1.35
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.