Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Brussels?
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 Brussels 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 Brussels?
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.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Brussels $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Brussels 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 Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Brussels $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Brussels $156
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Brussels
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Brussels? 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 Brussels Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Brussels $18
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass$4.82
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Atomium train ticket (2)$8.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Brussels to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Airport Transfer: Brussels to Airport BRU by Business Car: $82
- Airport Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van: $86
- Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car: $74
- Arrival Private Transfer Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Luxury Car or Van: $68
- Arrival Transfer from Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Sedan: $64
- BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 3 Pax: $151
- BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 7 Pax: $129
- Brussels <-> transfer from or to Brussels Airport (BRU) by Van: $131
- Brussels Airport (BRU) To Amsterdam: VIP Transfer: $495
- Brussels Airport Departure Transfer (Brussels Hotels to Brussels Airport): $106
- Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) <-> to or from Brussels (Sedan): $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Brussels?
Prices for flights to both Brussels 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 $17Brussels $41
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
Typical Food Prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons$4.93
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)$5.09
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Cheese$6.00
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Olives and Snacks$7.48
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Waffle$3.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
- Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
- Secret Food Tours Brussels: $138
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Brussels $25
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 Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.26
- Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.26
- BELvue Belgium History Museum Entry Ticket: $5.38
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.27
- Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.53
- Brussels’ Noble Beginnings: An Upper Town Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Brussels $14
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$11
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Beer$6.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Brussels?
Brussels has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Brussels, 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 Brussels?
Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?
Both Brussels 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 Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Brussels. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Brussels 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Brussels in the Autumn?
Both Brussels 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 Brussels in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Brussels. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Brussels. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Brussels 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Brussels in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Brussels can be very cold during winter. Zanzibar is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Brussels during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Brussels. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Brussels 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Brussels in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Brussels. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brussels because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In the spring, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brussels. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Brussels. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Brussels 10°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Brussels and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Brussels | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 76 mm (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.