Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zanzibar or Cairo?
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 Cairo 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 Cairo?
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.
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.
-
Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesCairo Prices
Egypt Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Cairo $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $30. 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 Cairo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Cairo $10
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Cairo $20
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Cairo
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Cairo? 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 Cairo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Cairo $3.46
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: $30
- 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 Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
-
Metro Ride$0.08
-
Taxi Ride$0.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 01 way Transfer from hotel in Cairo to Alexandria: $50
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer: $30
- 1 Way Pick up transfer from Cairo to Hurghada by private Car: $80
- 1 Way Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Le Meridien Heliopolis: $18
- 1 way Private Pickup transfer from Le Meridien Heliopolis to Cairo airport: $18
- 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $200
- 2 Days and 2 Evenings Private Tour in Cairo include airport transfer and M&A: $280
- 2 Private days in Giza and Cairo including Free Transfer from Airport: $126
- 2-Day Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $250
- 2-Days Trip in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $143
- 2-Days Trips in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $137
- 24/7 Door-to-Door Private Transfer Sphinx Airport and New Capital: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Cairo?
Prices for flights to both Cairo 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 dayZanzibar $28Cairo $16
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
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
-
Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Giza Pyramids Sphinx , ATV, camel ride Plus Nile Dinner Cruise: $3.00
- Explore Giza Pyramids with Camel, ATV, Dinner Cruise, & Shopping: $5.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Giza Pyramids Sphinx Camel Ride ATV Bike Shopping Dinner cruise: $7.00
- Cairo Dinner Nile Cruise with Belly Dancer Show on Nile River: $7.00
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Dinner Nile Cruise belly dancer open buffer tanora show sailing on Nile: $8.00
- 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
- Cairo Nile Dinner Cruise Belly Dancer Tanora Show Dinner Buffet: $8.00
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Cairo $8.29
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.77
-
Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$5.90
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Top Day 5 Hours Day Tour Pyramid Saqqar Pyramid Memphis City: $2.00
- Private VIP Giza Tour+ New Musuem + Market: $3.59
- Shopping Tour to all the Egyptian governments shops handmade: $4.00
- Best-Selling Giza Pyramids Tour: Camel Ride, Lunch &Private Guide: $4.00
- VIP Luxury Shopping Tour –Local Markets + Gourmet Lunch & Drinks: $5.00
- Free walking Giza Pyramids Half Day Group Tour: $5.00
- Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Grand Museum , ATV, CAMEL , Lunch ,ticket: $5.00
- Explore Giza Pyramids on a Private ATV or Camel Tour: $5.00
- Saqqara , Memphis and Dahsur Day Tour: $5.00
- VIP Private Tour Giza Pyramid camel ride and inside 3rd Pyramid: $5.00
- Half-Day Private Giza Pyramids Tour with ATV & Felucca: $5.00
- Papyrus Manufacturing Tour and learn Papyrus making in Egypt: $5.00
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Cairo $1.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $69
- Cairo Autumn Downtown Food & Bar Crawl with Drinks: $109
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Cairo, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Cairo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Cairo?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Cairo, 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 Cairo?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Cairo in the Summer?
Both Cairo and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Cairo. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Cairo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Cairo during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 350 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Zanzibar is cooler than Cairo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cairo averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Cairo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Cairo in the Autumn?
Both Cairo 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Cairo. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cairo. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 290 hours of full sun.
In October, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Cairo. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Cairo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Cairo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Cairo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Cairo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Cairo. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cairo during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 221 hours of full sun in the winter.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Cairo in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Cairo fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Cairo 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Cairo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Cairo. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Cairo. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Cairo. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 276 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Cairo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Cairo averages at about 21°C (70°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Cairo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Cairo and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Cairo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.