Which place is cheaper, Beirut or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zanzibar vs. Beirut for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
Jump to 
Should you visit Zanzibar or Beirut?
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 Beirut 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 Beirut?
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.
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $53Beirut $14
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $53, while the average daily cost in Beirut is $14. 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 Beirut in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $25Beirut $7.52
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $50Beirut $15
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Beirut
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Beirut? 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 Beirut Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Beirut $2.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Transfer from the airport to your Hotel or House: $75
- Stone Town to Airport Private Transfer: $23
- Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $109
- Airport to Stone Town Private Transfer: $22
- Airport to Hotel Transfer: $62
- Airport Transfers: $22
- Airport Transfer: $23
- Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
- Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $73
- Zanzibar Riu Jambo To the Airport Transfer: $49
- Zanzibar Private Transfer from Michamvi Beach to the Airport: $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4-Day Lebanon Tour from Beirut with Airport Transfer: $435
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Airport Departure Transfer From Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Paragliding Jounieh Lebanon with Hotel Transfer From Beirut: $160
- Private Airport Transfer in Beirut: $10
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Beirut?
Prices for flights to both Beirut 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 $17Beirut $4.26
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
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $35
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $50
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $52
- Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
- Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Private Traditional Lebanese Cooking with a Local Family in Byblos: $85
- Private Lebanese Home Cooking Class in Byblos with a Local Family: $86
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal and Hotel Transfers: $142
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Beirut $1.58
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
- City Tour in Zanzibar : $33
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Half-Day Walking Tour in Zanzibar City's Spice Island: $63
- Private Maalum Cave, Spice Farm and Stone Town City Day Tour: $148
- Sea Turtles Tour ( Nungwi Aquarium): $40
- Spice Farm & Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar: $87
- Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
- Stonetown Private Half-day Walking tour: $35
- 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Stone Town' Walking Tour: $30
- 1 Day Tanzania - Selous Game Reserve Safari Tour: $450
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $20
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $25
- Half-Day Guided Walking Tour of Beirut: $25
- Beirut Walking Tour - Discover Beirut by foot: $25
- Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Beirut : $34
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Small-Group Beirut Historical Tour: $40
- New Small-Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos: $40
- Small Daily Tours in Beirut City: $40
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.14Beirut $1.38
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Private Wine Tasting Tour: $65
- Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in The Bekaa Valley: $75
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $75
- Full Day Deluxe Wine Tour in Lebanon: $90
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour : $100
- Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $100
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Beirut, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa and Beirut is in Middle East, 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Zanzibar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zanzibar than you might in Beirut.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Beirut?
Beirut is bigger, and its population is about 4.7 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the population of Zanzibar vs. Beirut, 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar or Beirut?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Beirut in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Beirut. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in July than Beirut. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Beirut receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Beirut. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beirut receives 369 hours of full sun.
In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Beirut. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Beirut fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Beirut 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Beirut in the Autumn?
Both Beirut and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Beirut. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Beirut receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Beirut. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Beirut during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Beirut receives 254 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Beirut in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Beirut fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Beirut 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Beirut in the Winter?
Both Beirut and Zanzibar during the winter 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 Beirut year-round.
Beirut gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Beirut. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beirut receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Beirut. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beirut receives 149 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Beirut. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Beirut averages at about 13°C (55°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Beirut 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Beirut in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Beirut. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Beirut. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Beirut receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Beirut during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Beirut receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Beirut. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Beirut fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Beirut 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Beirut and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Beirut | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
Related Articles for Zanzibar
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.
More City Comparisons
Tehran vs. ZanzibarTehran vs. Beirut
Zanzibar vs. Nairobi
Zanzibar vs. Kampala
Zanzibar vs. Amman
Zanzibar vs. Santorini
Zanzibar vs. Mykonos
Zanzibar vs. Athens
Zanzibar vs. Jerusalem
Zanzibar vs. Doha
Zanzibar vs. Dubai
Zanzibar vs. Abu Dhabi
Zanzibar vs. Tel Aviv
Zanzibar vs. Antalya
Zanzibar vs. Ankara
Zanzibar vs. Addis Ababa
Zanzibar vs. Cairo
Zanzibar vs. Alexandria
Zanzibar vs. Rhodes
Zanzibar vs. Riga
Zanzibar vs. Saint Petersburg
Zanzibar vs. Moscow
Zanzibar vs. Tallinn
Zanzibar vs. Vilnius
Zanzibar vs. Tbilisi
Zanzibar vs. Minsk
Zanzibar vs. Helsinki
Zanzibar vs. Bucharest
Pin This Page
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.