Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $52Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $52, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $25Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $50Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
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.
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Airport - Hotels Transfer all over the Zanzibar Island: $60
- Airport /Hotel Transfers: $25
- Airport Pick-up Transfer To any Hotel In Zanzibar: $30
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels : $45
- Airport transfer to/from Nungwi, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, East coat and South: $60
- Airport/Hotel Transfer: $25
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Minivan: $8.33
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $75
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
- Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $109
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $44
- Buenos Aires Airport Arrival Transfer (Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires Hotel or Address): $131
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $139
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfers: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE in Luxury Car: $160
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $220
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
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Food Meals for one dayZanzibar $17Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
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
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.53
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Dinner$1.88
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Powerade$0.12
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Lunch$0.83
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Dinner$1.21
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Chocolate$3.12
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.
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Argentinian grilled pizza class in San Telmo: $40
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending Experience: $49
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
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
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar.: $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- Stonetown City (Walking Tour): $25
- Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Private Guided Stone Town Tour of Zanzibar: $25
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.58
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Palermo Soho for curious people Walking Tour: $5.00
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Historical Tour of the Recoleta Cemetery: $15
- True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Walking Tour La Boca: $15
- Recoleta Cemetery Experience - Immersive Tour with the Death: $16
- Under Ground Tours Private Side B of the City: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.91Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.67
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:
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $56
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
- Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $80
- Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting : $98
- Private Asado and Wine Tasting in Argentina: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Zanzibar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zanzibar than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZanzibar 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZanzibar 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZanzibar 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZanzibar 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) |
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.