A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zanzibar vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zanzibar or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Zanzibar Prices
    Tanzania Prices
    Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zanzibar $62
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $55

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $55. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $78
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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.

Hotels in Zanzibar


Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus: $68
  • Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar (24/7): $29
  • Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
  • Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
  • Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
  • Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels: $45
  • Airport/port Transfer: $70
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
  • Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
  • Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
  • Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Mercedes-Benz: $300
  • Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: $220

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Airport Transfer: $170
  • Airport Transfer (EZEIZA o AEP) + Private Buenos Aires City Tour: $219
  • Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $120
  • Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Business Car: $113
  • Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $131
  • Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $68
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $120
  • Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $105
  • Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $111
  • Buenos Aires : Aljibe, Tango and folklore show with Transfers.: $126
  • Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 day
    Zanzibar $28
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.36

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 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
  • 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $97
  • Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Argentine Cooking, Wine & Beef Tasting at Argentine Experience: $33
  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $39
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $44
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
  • Early Tango Dinner Show in Buenos Aires: $46

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $29

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 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
  • Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
  • Stone Town tour: $18
  • Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
  • Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Buenos Aires with Audio Guide: $5.73
  • Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina: $6.72
  • Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $6.81
  • Heart of Colonial Buenos Aires Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Private Shopping Tour with Matu Salcedo: $8.00
  • Buenos Aires Recoleta Cemetery Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.00
  • Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.01
  • The Women Behind Puerto Madero’s Streets: A Self Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.76
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.98

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $45
  • Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $47
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Wine Tasting and Local Specialties in Buenos Aires: $56
  • Argentine Wine Tasting with Lunch or Charcuterie Pairings: $59
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $65
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $69
  • Classic Tiger Delta Navigation, City Tour and Wine Tasting: $69
  • Empanadas & Argentine wine tour: $74
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95


When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.

In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.

Zanzibar is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round.

In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)