Which place is cheaper, Bangkok 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 Bangkok?
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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok?
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.
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesBangkok Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Bangkok $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $99. 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 Bangkok in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Bangkok $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Bangkok $96
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Bangkok
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Bangkok? 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 Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Bangkok $6.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus: $68
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels: $45
- Airport transfers in Zanzibar: $40
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Dolphin Snorkeling and Pungume Island with Lunch and Transfer: $89
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.39
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Skytrain Ticket$4.78
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.96
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Ferry Ride$0.78
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Taxi From Airport$7.46
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Short Taxi Ride$2.69
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Boat Taxi$1.49
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Trains to airport$4.78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Airport Private Transfer from Bangkok Airports: $41
- Airport Private Transfers from Suvarnabhumi BKK to Pattaya City: $69
- Airport Transfer Camry/Fortuner or Similar: $59
- Airport Transfer Luxury Sedan Mercedes E Class BMW 5 Series: $98
- Airport Transfer: Bangkok to Don Mueang Airport DMK by Luxury Car: $102
- Airport Transfer: Don Mueang Airport DMK to Bangkok by Luxury Van: $102
- Airport private Transfer from Bangkok City to Suvarnabhumi BKK: $37
- Airport to Airport Transfer in Bangkok: $64
- Arrival Private Transfers from Bangkok Airport BKK to Bangkok in Business Car: $74
- Arrival Transfer: Don Mueang Airport DMK to Bangkok by Luxury Van: $95
- Ayutthaya Cultural Triangle City Tour with Transfer: $63
- Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Hotel Transfers: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Bangkok?
Prices for flights to both Bangkok 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 $28Bangkok $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $50
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- 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
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $107
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.97
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.34
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.90
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.97
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Pad Thai$2.09
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Airport Lunch for 2$16
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Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Mahanakorn Pad Thai & Tom Yum Cooking Class in Bangkok: $21
- Royal Princess Dinner Cruise in Bangkok: $25
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $26
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $27
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck Ticket with Buffet Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Bangkok Sunset or Evening Dinner Cruise (The Planet Cruise): $30
- Alangka Dinner Cruise from Bangkok on Chao Phraya River ICONSIAM: $30
- Peaceful Wat Pho and Authentic Street Food Tour: $30
- Bangkok The Luxury White Sunset or Dinner Cruise (Asiatique Pier): $30
- Royal Princess Cruise Sunset Dinner on the Chao Phraya in Bangkok: $31
- Bangkok Meridian Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM: $31
- Bangkok Unicorn Chao Phraya River Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Bangkok $17
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Podcast Tour Zanzibar City The Black Gold and the Broken Chains: $5.48
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $14
- Zanzibar Private Spice Farm Tour With Optional Lunch: $17
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Zanzibar Stone Town Private Walking Tour With Old Slave Market: $18
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Traditional Drums and Fruits: $20
- Stone Town Walking Tour Explore Zanzibar's Historical Heart: $20
- Private Mnemba Island and Dolphin Experience: $20
- Zanzibar Spice Tour to Mussa Village: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.78
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.49
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.97
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$72
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Fish Pedicure$4.48
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.98
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bangkok Hidden Treasures: A Self-Guided Urban Adventure: $1.09
- Bangkok Walking Tour 2h40 and 22 audio reviews: $6.55
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Space and Time Cube Tickets in Bangkok: $9.14
- Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Tickets: $9.57
- Bangkok Meland Siam Paragon Entry Ticket: $10
- Bangkok Space and Time Cube Admission Ticket: $12
- Ancient City & Erawan Museum Admission Ticket - Bangkok (NonThai): $12
- Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour: $13
- Ancient City Admission Ticket(Non-Thai only)-Bangkok: $13
- Baiyoke Sky Hotel: Observation Deck & Revolving Point Ticket: $15
- Ancient City and Erawan Museum Single or Combo Ticket Options: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Bangkok $5.46
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Sunset Rooftop, TukTuk Ride, Night Market & Bar Crawl: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Bangkok, we can see that Bangkok 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 Bangkok is in Asia, 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Bangkok?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Bangkok, 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 Bangkok?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bangkok in the Summer?
Both Bangkok and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Bangkok. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Bangkok during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Zanzibar is cooler than Bangkok. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Bangkok averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Bangkok 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bangkok in the Autumn?
Both Bangkok 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Bangkok. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Bangkok. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 206 hours of full sun.
In October, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Bangkok. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Bangkok fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Bangkok 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bangkok in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Bangkok. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Bangkok. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Bangkok during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Bangkok receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Bangkok in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Bangkok fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Bangkok 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bangkok in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Bangkok. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year.
May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season. Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Bangkok. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bangkok receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Bangkok. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bangkok receives 262 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Zanzibar is cooler than Bangkok. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Bangkok averages at about 31°C (87°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Bangkok 31°C (87°F)
Typical Weather for Bangkok and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Bangkok | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.