Which place is cheaper, Austin or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Austin?
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 Austin 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 Austin?
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.
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Austin $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 Austin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Austin $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Austin
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Austin? 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 Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Austin $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport - Hotels Transfer all over the Zanzibar Island: $60
- Airport Pick-up Transfer To any Hotel In Zanzibar: $30
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport Transfer to Beach Hotel: $65
- Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels : $45
- Airport/Hotel Transfer: $25
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Austin?
Prices for flights to both Austin 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 $17Austin $35
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
- Secret Food Tour: $98
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $108
- The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
- Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Austin $28
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: $15
- Easy Stone Town Tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone town walking tour ( City tour): $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
- Stonetown City (Walking Tour): $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Round Rock by Operation City Quest: $10
- Austin,TX: Murder Mystery Detective Experience: $15
- Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
- Austin Trails Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- Downtown Austin Haunted History Tour: $24
- Family-Friendly Ghosts of Austin Tour: $25
- The Ghosts of Austin Walking Tour: $25
- Ha Ha Haunted Austin Walking Ghost Tour: $26
- Private 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience in Texas: $27
- Haunted Austin Walking History Tour: $28
- City and Hill Country Non-Stop Tour in a Mercedes: $30
- Forest Mindfulness and Embodiment Experience: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Austin $28
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 Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
- From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
- Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
- 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
- The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
- Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
- Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Austin, we can see that Austin 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 Austin is in North America, 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin 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 Austin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Austin?
Austin has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Austin, 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 Austin?
Austin 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 Austin in the Summer?
Both Austin 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 Austin because of the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).
It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Austin. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Austin 87°F (30°C)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Austin in the Autumn?
Both Austin 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Austin this time of year.
In October, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).
In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Austin. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Austin. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Austin 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Austin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Austin during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Austin. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Austin 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Austin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Austin. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Austin in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Austin. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Austin. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Austin 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Austin and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Austin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
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.