Which place is cheaper, Athens or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Athens $136
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Athens is $136. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Athens $68
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Athens $136
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Athens $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- From Mystery Day Safari with Transfer: $500
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers : $260
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Kiwengwa: $200
- Safari blue tour with Lunch and Transfers: $180
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
- Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $141
- Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Luxury Sedan: $125
- Ferry Zanzibar :Transfer services: $120
- Jozani Forest and Spice Farm Tour With Transfer: $110
- Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $109
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
-
Airport Bus for Two$6.86
-
Metro$1.61
-
Metro$2.14
-
Metro from Airport to City Center$8.57
-
Taxi from Airport$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Athens Airport To Piraeus Port / Hotel Private Luxury Transfer : $44
- Private Transfer from /to Athens International Airport: $32
- Transfer from Athens-Pireaus-Athens Airport to Corinth-Loutraki-Agioi Theodoroi: $218
- "Luxurious Transfer": $48
- A mini Embark / Disembark Tour In Athens With Transfers from airport / port.: $259
- AIRPORT TRANSFER in Athens : $28
- Accessible Private Transfer WAV from Athens Airport to Port Rafina: $43
- Airport Private Transfers: $79
- Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $28
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $127
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Van: $113
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Business Car: $80
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
-
Food Meals for one dayZanzibar $17Athens $40
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
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
-
Ice cream$3.21
-
Souvlaki$2.36
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 Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $26
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $52
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $62
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $64
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $64
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Athens $38
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $130
- Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour: $35
- Zanzibar Spice Tour : $47
- 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
- 2day Zanzibar adventure: Prison Island & Sandbank (all-incl): $538
- 3 HOURS PRISON ISLAND TOUR IN ZANZIBAR: $60
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $30
- 3-Day Selous Game Reserve Safari & Cultural tour with Flight: $1,345
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $26
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.23
- Self Guided Tour In Athens With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
- Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.63
- Acropolis Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.70
- 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.46
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.54
- Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Ancient Agora of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.00
- South Slope of the Acropolis audiovisual self-guided tour: $7.52
- Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.52
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Athens $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $36
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
- Greek food and wine tasting: $54
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $54
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $61
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $79
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.