Which place is cheaper, Arequipa 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 Arequipa?
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 Arequipa 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 Arequipa?
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.
Arequipa
Sitting in the middle of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes of Peru is the enchanting city of Arequipa. With 468 years of history, the city is full of Spanish colonial architecture. Known to locals as the "white city," the city center, Plaza de Armas, is quite the sight with buildings of sillar white stone made from the rocks of the surrounding volcanoes.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Peru, and The Best Cultural Tours in Peru.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesArequipa Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Arequipa $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Arequipa is $62. 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 Arequipa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Arequipa $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Arequipa $50
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Arequipa
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Arequipa? 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 Arequipa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Arequipa $6.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus: $68
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
- Airport transfers in Zanzibar: $40
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Dolphin Snorkeling and Pungume Island with Lunch and Transfer: $80
- Half Day Zanzibar City Tour with Airport Transfer: $30
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Paje and Jambiani Transfers from Stone Town: $35
- Private Airport Transfer from AAK Airport to Hotels: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Arequipa are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$1.48
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Bus Ride$0.47
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Taxi Ride$1.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arequipa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arequipa:
- 2 Days Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer to Puno: $115
- 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour with optional transfer to Puno: $135
- Arequipa Airport Departure Transfer: $22
- Arequipa Bus Station Departure Transfer: $37
- Colca Canyon + Transfer To Puno: $103
- Colca Canyon 2 days from Arequipa with final transfer to Puno: $85
- Colca Canyon Day Trip with Transfer to Puno: $65
- Colca Canyon full day tour with transfer to Puno: $80
- Koh Lanta any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $79
- Private Transfer between Arequipa and Puno: $300
- Private Transfer from Alfredo Rodríguez Ballón Airport to Hotel: $20
- Transfer Between Arequipa's Airport and Hotels: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Arequipa?
Prices for flights to both Arequipa 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 $28Arequipa $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $50
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $76
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $100
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $107
- Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Farm with Cooking Class + Lunch and Stone town (City tour): $130
Typical Food Prices in Arequipa
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arequipa:
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Coke$0.44
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Lunch$3.11
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Ice Cream$1.18
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Fruit$0.89
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Ice Cream$1.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arequipa
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Arequipa.
- Peruvian Cooking Experience in Arequipa: $35
- Cooking Class at La Plantation: $36
- Almuerzo Arequipa Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $47
- Arequipa Nights Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $47
- Peruvian Cooking Class in arequipa: $50
- Peruvian Cooking Class: $63
- Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour: $79
- Arequipa : Food Tour and History (3 Restaurants and Market): $80
- Arequipa Food Tour Experience: $115
- Food Tour Gastronomic Guided: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Arequipa $20
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Zanzibar Unveiled From Slaves to Sultans Audio Tour: $7.05
- Zanzibar old town historical walking tour: $14
- Zanzibar:Private Local guide Walking Tour: $16
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $18
- Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $19
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Zanzibar Green Tour Spice Farm and Butterfly Centre: $20
- Daily Karibu Assalam Tour: $20
- Stone town walking tour with Akash: $20
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Arequipa
Here are a few typical costs in Arequipa for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Monastery Entry$2.96
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Salsa Class$2.96
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Movie Ticket$3.23
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Hot Springs$2.96
Tours and Activities in Arequipa
Here are a few actual costs in Arequipa for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Walking Tour through the Historic Center of Arequipa: $10
- City tour Arequipa by foot: $10
- Route of the Sillar 4-Hour Tour: $10
- Arequipa Tasting Tour: $13
- Full Day Tour Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon Arequipa: $18
- Countryside Tour Arequipa: $18
- Rafting in Arequipa Chili River Half Day Tour: $18
- Chili River White Water Rafting Adventure with Pickup: $19
- Koh Rong Tour: A Snorkeling, Fishing, Sunset, Plankton: $20
- Arequipa Rafting adventure on the Chili river with pick-up: $20
- City Tour Arequipa: $20
- Sillar Route and Culebrillas Gorge Tour from Arequipa: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.72Arequipa $17
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Arequipa are as follows:
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Beer$2.66
When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Arequipa, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Arequipa is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Arequipa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Arequipa?
Arequipa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Arequipa, 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.