Which place is cheaper, Athens 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 Athens?
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 Athens 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 Athens?
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.
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesAthens Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Athens $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Athens is $179. 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 Athens in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Athens $74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Athens $148
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Athens
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Athens? 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 Athens Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Athens $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar VIP Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Zanzibar JetCar ride with drone video and transfer included: $168
- The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
- Private Nakupenda Beach Day with Seafood Lunch and Transfers: $126
- Zanzibar Tour in Secret Beach, Kuza Cave and Jozani with transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $98
- Zanzibar Quad Adventures from Nungwi or Kendwa & Hotel Transfer: $95
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kiwengwa: $88
- Private Transfer from Bwejuu to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $88
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two$7.45
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Metro$1.75
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Metro$2.33
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Metro from Airport to City Center$9.31
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Taxi from Airport$41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- AIRPORT TRANSFER to/from hotel (up 14 in a luxurious Minibus ): $33
- ATHENS HOTEL transfer to/from Piraeus Cruise Port (up to 14 pax): $259
- Aegean Wonders Santorini Transfers: $32
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $93
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $144
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $129
- Alimos Glyfada Vouliagmeni to Athens Airport Private Transfer: $40
- Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Minibus: $146
- Arrival Transfer from Αthens Airport to Piraeus Port: $51
- Arrival Transfer from Athens Airport to Athens City: $77
- Arrival Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $105
- Athens Airport (ATH) to Athens - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Athens?
Prices for flights to both Athens 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 $28Athens $75
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
- Zanzibar Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $50
- Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- Cooking Class Tour: $90
- A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $107
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
- Zanzibar Full-Day Tour Jozani Forest and Swahili Cooking Class: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream$3.49
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Souvlaki$2.56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Athens Food Tour (5+ Stops) - Full Meal Included by Do Eat Better: $65
- Classic Athens Food Tour with Local Drink & Market Visit: $70
- Acropolis Food Tour with a Local Friend: $77
- Athens's original vegan food tour: $77
- Athens Traditional Food Tour: $80
- Athens Street Food Tour: Taste the best street food: $80
- Athens at Night Enchanting Walking Tour and Dinner Delights: $82
- Taste of Athens Small-Group Food Tour: $83
- Small Group Greek Traditional Food Tour in Athens 20+ Tastings: $83
- Quick Greek Street Food Cooking Class in Athens: $88
- Greek Cooking Class near Poseidon’s Temple in Sounio with Antonia: $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Athens $41
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
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $135
- A Full Day Private Tour To Prison Island + Nakupenda + Stone Town: $150
- 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
- A Half Day Private Tour to Spice Farm: $80
- A Half Day Quad Bike Village Tour: $130
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.88
- Ancient Athens Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.90
- Athens Interactive City Tour: $8.25
- Athens Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $9.01
- Athens Exploration Private Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.42
- Acropolis of Athens Self-Guided Tour with 3D & Audio (No Ticket): $9.42
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: Self-Guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket): $9.42
- Self-Guided Greece Grand Tour with Audio Guide: $9.43
- Traditional Greek Food: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Athens: $9.99
- Athens Olympic Museum ticket: $11
- Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Athens $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- The Original Athens Pub Crawl: $12
- Greek Honey Tasting Experience at our Old Distillery: $13
- Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.: $17
- The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $22
- Athens Olive Oil and Herbs Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $24
- Thursday & Friday Night Pub Crawl for Professionals in Athens: $25
- Experience Ouzo Tasting at Athens Oldest Distillery: $28
- Athens Exclusive Hellenic Wine Tasting Experience at Brettos: $37
- Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $47
- Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $58
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $58
- Athens Ultimate Bar Crawl: $59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Athens, we can see that Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Athens?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Athens, 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 Athens?
Athens 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 Athens in the Summer?
Both Athens and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Athens in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Athens fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Athens. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 357 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in July than Athens. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Athens receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Athens 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Athens in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Athens. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Athens. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Athens averages at about 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Athens during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Athens. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Athens receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Athens 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Athens in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Athens. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Athens. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Athens fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Athens. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Athens receives 143 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Athens. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Athens receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Athens 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Athens in the Spring?
Both Athens and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Athens in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Athens fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Athens during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Athens receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Athens. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Athens receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Athens 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Athens and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Athens | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.