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

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Should you visit Zanzibar or Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $53, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $190. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $25
    Amsterdam $111
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $50
    Amsterdam $222
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Amsterdam? 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 Amsterdam


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 Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $12
    Amsterdam $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
  • Airport /Hotel Transfers: $20
  • Airport Pick-up Transfer To any Hotel In Zanzibar: $30
  • Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Arrivals: $20
  • Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
  • Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
  • Airport and Hotel Transfers: $60
  • 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: $35
  • Airport/port Transfer : $70

Typical Local Transportation prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.48
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.83
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Oostende: $852
  • 1-15 pers Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Cologne: $852
  • 1-15 pers Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Dusseldorf: $646
  • 1-15 pers Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Luxembourg: $1,036
  • 1-15 pers Taxi/Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to 's-Hertogenbosch: $290
  • 1-15 pers Taxi/Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Hoek van Holland: $201
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Amsterdam : $137
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $274
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Alkmaar: $156
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Almere: $156
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Amersfoort: $201
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Antwerp: $479

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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 $17
    Amsterdam $47

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
  • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $35
  • Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
  • Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
  • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $50
  • Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $52
  • Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
  • Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
  • Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
  • Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60

Typical Food prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.

  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.23
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $14
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $14
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $22
  • Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Amsterdam Pizza Dinner Cruise Including Drinks : $38
  • Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise Including Pizza and Drinks: $41
  • Three course lunch/dinner voucher : $44
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $52
  • Food Tour Amsterdam's Jordaan District Self-Guided: $52
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Amsterdam $41

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: $10
  • Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $15
  • Easy Stone Town Tour: $20
  • Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
  • Stone Town tour: $20
  • 3 Hour Community Walking Tour: $20
  • Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
  • Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar: $22
  • Stone town tour Zanzibar: $24
  • Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
  • 2h-3h - Stone Town Tour: $25
  • Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $25

Typical Entertainment prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.52
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • The Anne Frank Tour (Tip Based) Amsterdam : $2.62
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.27
  • City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Anne Frank and Jewish History Guided Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Anne Frank and Amsterdam Jewish History Walking Tour: $3.28
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam (CYHIT): $3.29
  • Free Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.29
  • Free walking tour of haunted Amsterdam: $3.81
  • Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $5.41
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $5.48
  • A tasty stroll through Pijp: A self-guided audio tour: $5.48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $7.14
    Amsterdam $26

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Private Guided Pub Crawl with Beer Maid in Amsterdam: $25
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $26
  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $27
  • Amsterdam Leidseplein Party Pub Crawl: $27
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $31
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $32
  • Leidsplein Night Life Party Pub Crawl: $32
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
  • Red Light District Halloween Pub Crawl in Amsterdam: $38
  • Leidseplein Halloween Pub Crawl Amsterdam: $38
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $40
  • Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $49

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Zanzibar.

Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is bigger, and its population is about 84% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the population of Zanzibar vs. Amsterdam, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Zanzibar or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Zanzibar experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Zanzibar or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Zanzibar is much warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Amsterdam. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Amsterdam. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 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.
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Zanzibar vs. Amsterdam Travel Comparison

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