Which place is cheaper, Antananarivo 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 Antananarivo?
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 Antananarivo 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 Antananarivo?
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.
Antananarivo
Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar; it is also sometimes referred to as Tana. This city is the cultural and political center of Madagascar as a whole. There are multiple universities, museums, and other social venues in the city, as well as a national rugby team. This city has a very apparent French influence.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Wildlife Tours to Madagascar, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Madagascar.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesAntananarivo Prices
Madagascar Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Antananarivo $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Antananarivo is $93. 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 Antananarivo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Antananarivo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Antananarivo $60
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Antananarivo
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Antananarivo? 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 Antananarivo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Antananarivo $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $16
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Hotel Transfer Private Taxi Service: $20
- Private Transfer from Abeid Amani Karume Airport to Zanzibar: $20
- Private Airport Transfers in Zanzibar To Stone Town: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels: $20
- Private Zanzibar Airport Transfer: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Group Transfers to Hotels and Resorts: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfer and Island Shuttle Service: $20
- Zanzibar Aiport transfer services: $23
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Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antananarivo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antananarivo:
- 24/7 Transfer from Ivato Airport to Antananarivo & more: $116
- Private Airport Transfert Ivato Antananarivo: $80
- Safe Transfer Airport - Hotel in Antananarivo Madagascar: $23
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Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Antananarivo?
Prices for flights to both Antananarivo 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 $28Antananarivo $50
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
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- 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
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
- half day tours spice Farm with Cooking Class: $130
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antananarivo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Antananarivo.
- Cooking And Cuisine Tasting From Tana-Malagasy Fine Foodie Madagascar Tour: $245
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Antananarivo $24
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Safari Blue island of Kwale Adventure: $8.00
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $14
- Zanzibar Private Spice Farm Tour With Optional Lunch: $17
- Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $17
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar with local guide Mohamed,: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour: $20
- City tours zanzibar: $20
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Tours and Activities in Antananarivo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Antananarivo are as follows:
- Antananarivo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $25
- Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
- Antananarivo : Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $37
- Antanavario: Private custom tour with a local guide: $37
- Guided Tour and sunset in queen's palace: $68
- Half-Day Private Tour in Lemur's Park: $150
- Day - Tour Ampefy: $156
- Night Fun Tour of Antananarivo: $172
- Madagascar Day Tour Lemurs Park and Croc Farm from Antananarivo: $183
- Private Tour to Lemurs' Park & Queen Palace: $191
- Nightlife Tour with Private Bodyguard: $200
- Private Tour of Lemur Park and Queen's Palace: $200
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Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Antananarivo $9.63
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Antananarivo, we can see that Antananarivo 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 Antananarivo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antananarivo 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 Antananarivo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Antananarivo?
Antananarivo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Antananarivo, 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.