Which place is cheaper, Bergen 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 Bergen?
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 Bergen 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 Bergen?
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.
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
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 Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesBergen Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Bergen $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $149. 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 Bergen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Bergen $77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Bergen $154
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Bergen
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Bergen? 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 Bergen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Bergen $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $16
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
- Private Airport Transfers in Zanzibar To Stone Town: $20
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels: $20
- Private Airport Transfers to Stone Town and Beyond: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Hotel Transfer Private Taxi Service: $20
- Private Zanzibar Airport Transfer: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfer and Island Shuttle Service: $20
- Private Transfer from Abeid Amani Karume Airport to Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels: $20
- Zanzibar Aiport transfer services: $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen City by Minibus: $223
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $152
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $172
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Minibus: $150
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $120
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $102
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $102
- BGO Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $54
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Airport BGO by Minibus: $211
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Airport BGO by Minivan: $161
- Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $109
- Private Transfer From Bergen Airport to City Centre: $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Bergen?
Prices for flights to both Bergen 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 $28Bergen $60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- 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
- A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Bergen Food Tour: $178
- A Taste of Bergen Food Tour with Floibanen Funicular: $227
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Bergen $19
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Stone Town Self Audio Guide Tour With Tourist Map: $6.00
- Safari Blue island of Kwale Adventure: $8.00
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $14
- Zanzibar Private Spice Farm Tour With Optional Lunch: $17
- Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar with local guide Mohamed,: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour: $20
- City tours zanzibar: $20
- Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar: $20
Tours and Activities in Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- Tip-Based Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.44
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour: Bergen's Dance with the Elements: $5.49
- Bergen Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h30 and 24 Audio Comments: $6.76
- Off the Beaten Track in A Private Self-Guided Tour: $6.99
- Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Bergen Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: Top Landmarks & History: $7.55
- Bergen Self-Guided Tour at Bryggen and Old Town, Audio and Quiz: $8.02
- Wolves, Vikings, Cod and Cannonballs Self Guided Tour of Bergen: $8.99
- Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $9.99
- Bergen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $10
- Walking Tour of Central Bergen: $16
- Bergen Outdoor Escape Game: Self-Guided City Adventure: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Bergen $7.81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Bergen?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Bergen, 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 Bergen?
Bergen 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 Bergen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Bergen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Bergen. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Bergen 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bergen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Bergen. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Bergen 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bergen in the Winter?
Both Bergen 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, the winter months attract visitors to Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Bergen can be very cold. In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Bergen. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Bergen 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bergen in the Spring?
Both Bergen 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. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Bergen. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Bergen 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Bergen and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Bergen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 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.