Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Bilbao $28
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 Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $80
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $420
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $318
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $318
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $210
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $91
- Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 $17Bilbao $48
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 Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $113
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $115
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $135
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $135
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $156
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $198
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Bilbao $31
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 Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town 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 Tours & Taxi Services : $25
- Private Stone Town City Tour Zanzibar : $25
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $25
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour: $1.94
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Panoramic boat tour through the bay of Abra: $6.46
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.52
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Crime and Punishment: $13
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $18
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Bilbao $23
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 Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $81
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $178
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $188
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $201
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $217
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $241
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Bilbao?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
Bilbao 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 Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao 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, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao 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. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.
In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Bilbao. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Bilbao. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.