A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zanzibar vs. Amman for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zanzibar or Amman?

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 Amman 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 Amman?

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.

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, and The Best Budget Tours to Jordan.


Which place is cheaper, Amman or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Amman is $135. 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 Amman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Amman $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Amman $98
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Amman

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Amman? 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.

Hotels in Zanzibar


Hotels in Amman


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 Amman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Amman $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Nungwi: $65
  • Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kiwengwa: $65
  • Zanzibar VIP Transfer in Mercedes-Benz: $120
  • Zanzibar Transfer in Land Cruiser Prado: $220
  • Zanzibar Tour in Secret Beach, Kuza Cave and Jozani with transfer: $120
  • Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
  • Zanzibar Sea Fishing Boat Tour experience with Transfer: $85
  • Zanzibar Quad Adventures from Nungwi or Kendwa & Hotel Transfer: $95
  • Zanzibar Private Transfer – From Airport to Any Hotel: $50
  • Zanzibar Private Taxi and Airport Transfers: $35
  • Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $88
  • Zanzibar Private Hotel-to-Hotel Transfer – 24/7 Service: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Active Aqaba Private Transfer from to Amman or Airport or Dead Sea: $60
  • Airport Transfer To and From Amman: $23
  • Airport Transfer To/From The Dead Sea: $48
  • Airport pickup or drop off transfer from or to Amman city: $95
  • Amman Airport (AMM) to Amman hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Amman Airport Luxury Private Transfer to Amman: $25
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer: $34
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer To Amman: $30
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer To Amman: $40
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer To Amman By Minivan: $65
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer to Amman: $25
  • Amman Airport Private Transfer to Multiple Destinations: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Amman?

Prices for flights to both Amman 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zanzibar $28
    Amman $58

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
  • Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
  • Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
  • Zanzibar Spice & Night Market: Cooking & Street Food Tour: $80
  • Cooking Class Tour: $90
  • A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
  • Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $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

Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Amman by Night Tour with Local Dinner: $35
  • private cooking with local chef: $40
  • Private 2 Hour Cooking Class with the Locals in Amman: $50
  • Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $80
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
  • Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
  • The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at Alee Restaurant in Amman: $120
  • Half Day Cooking Class Experience with Amman Panoramic Tour: $127
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Wine Experience: $147
  • Private Food Tour in Amman by Day (inc Citadel & Roman Theatre): $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Amman $32

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
  • 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
  • 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
  • 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island: $25
  • 3inONE, Private Spice, Stone Town & Prison Island Tours: $120
  • 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $135
  • A Full Day Private Tour To Prison Island + Nakupenda + Stone Town: $150
  • A Full Day Stone Town and Spice Farm Private Tour: $100
  • A Half Day Private Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour To Mnemba Island: $95
  • A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour: $106
  • A Half Day Private Tour To Spice Farm: $80

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Amman by Night Private Tour: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour with Local Lunch: $20
  • Amman Old and New Private City Tour: $20
  • Seven Sleepers Cave and King Abdullah Mosque Private Tour: $20
  • Amman City Tour Included Shopping Time: $20
  • Amman Private City Tour with Local Mansaf Lunch: $20
  • Day or Night Walking Tour in Downtown With Local: $25
  • Madaba Mount Nebo and Ma'in Private Tour: $30
  • Full Day Amman Private City Tour: $30
  • Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Ma'in Private Guided Tour: $30
  • Petra Madaba and Mount Nebo Private Guided Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.75
    Amman $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Amman

Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Amman and Boulevard Walking Tour: $93
  • Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting: $127


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Amman, we can see that Amman is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa and Amman is in Middle East, 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 Amman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amman 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 Amman Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Amman?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Amman, 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 Amman?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Zanzibar or Amman in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Amman. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year.

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in July than Amman. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amman receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Amman. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amman receives 364 hours of full sun.

In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Amman. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Amman fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Amman 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Amman in the Autumn?

Both Amman and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Amman. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amman receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Amman. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amman during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Amman receives 274 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zanzibar is a little warmer than Amman in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Amman fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Amman 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Amman in the Winter?

Both Amman and Zanzibar during the winter 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 Amman year-round.

Amman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Amman. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amman receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Amman. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amman receives 184 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Amman. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Amman averages at about 8°C (46°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Amman 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Amman in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Amman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Amman. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Amman receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Amman during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Amman receives 269 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Amman. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Amman fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Amman 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Amman and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Amman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)