Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Belfast?
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 Belfast 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 Belfast?
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.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Belfast $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Belfast is $167. 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 Belfast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Belfast $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Belfast $172
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Belfast
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Belfast? 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 Belfast Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Belfast $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar transfer and taxi services: $15
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Standard Van: $17
- Zanzibar Airport Transfer ( Tax) To Stone Town: $19
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Private Transfer from Abeid Amani Karume Airport to Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $20
- Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $21
- Zanzibar Airport transfers and Taxi services: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
- Airport Transfers: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Business Car: $95
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $106
- Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belfast Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $46
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
- Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
- Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Lisburn City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Departure Private Transfer Belfast to Belfast Airport BHD or BFS by Business Car: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Belfast?
Prices for flights to both Belfast 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 $17Belfast $64
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 Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $82
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Belfast $23
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
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $25
- Stonetown City (Walking Tour): $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Private Stone Town City Tour Zanzibar : $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets$10
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Museum Ticket: $6.93
- Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $13
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
- Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
- 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
- Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
- Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
- Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
- Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Belfast $9.86
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 Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Belfast?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Belfast, 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 Belfast?
Belfast 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 Belfast in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Belfast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Belfast averages at about 15°C (59°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Belfast. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Belfast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Belfast in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Belfast. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Belfast. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Belfast 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Belfast in the Winter?
Both Belfast and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Belfast for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Belfast. Zanzibar is much warmer than Belfast in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Belfast during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Belfast. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Belfast 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Belfast in the Spring?
Both Belfast and Zanzibar during the spring 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 visitors come to Belfast in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Belfast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Belfast averages at about 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Belfast. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Belfast 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Belfast and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Belfast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.