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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Casablanca?

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 Casablanca 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 Casablanca?

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.

Casablanca

Casablanca is so much more than a classic Bogart movie with killer one-liners. It is also the largest, most cosmopolitan city in the country of Morocco. Sitting at the economic and industrial heart of this region, Casablanca has a population of approximately four million. Brush up on your high school French before visiting this lively city as it's the main language spoken by the locals. While this is the most liberal and progressive city in Morocco, remember to be cautious in this region of the world with your western views.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Casablanca or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $50, while the average daily cost in Casablanca is $73. 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 Casablanca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Casablanca $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Casablanca $86
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Casablanca

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Casablanca? 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 Casablanca


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 Casablanca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Casablanca $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Minivan: $8.45
  • Zanzibar Airport Private Transfer to/from Hotel: $18
  • Airport and Hotels Transfers: $20
  • Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
  • Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
  • Zanzibar Airport transfers and Taxi services: $22
  • Private Zanzibar Airport Transfers to and from any Hotel: $22
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar to Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ): $27
  • Private Departure Transfer in Zanzibar: $32
  • Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Stone Town: $37
  • Private Transfer from Mbweni to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $37

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Casablanca

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Casablanca:


  • Train from Airport (for 2)
    $7.11
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Casablanca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Casablanca:

  • Casablanca tour with round trip airport transfer: $85
  • Mohammed V Airport (CMN) to Casablanca Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • One-Way Transfer from Casablanca to Fez via rabat : $222
  • Private Transfer Marrakech-Casablanca: $155
  • Bi-directional Casablanca Airport Transfer.: $25
  • Casablanca & Marrakech Private Transfer: $195
  • Casablanca & Marrakech Private Transfer: $338
  • Casablanca & Marrakech Private Transfer: $179
  • Casablanca : Private Transfer From Fez To Casablanca: $146
  • Casablanca Airport (CMN): Transfer to Casablanca Cruise Port: $107
  • Casablanca Airport Arrival To Chef-chaouen Private Transfer: $238
  • Casablanca Airport Arrival To Essaouira Private Transfer: $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Casablanca?

Prices for flights to both Casablanca 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 $16
    Casablanca $20

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
  • Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
  • An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
  • Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
  • Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
  • Zanzibar pizza making & wine tasting: $65
  • Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
  • Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class : $75
  • Cooking Class Tour: $77
  • Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $90
  • A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90

Typical Food Prices in Casablanca

Some typical examples of dining costs in Casablanca are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    $3.05
  • Lunch
    $9.14
  • Dinner at Rick's Cafe (for Two)
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Casablanca

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Casablanca.

  • Flavors of Morocco Food Tour in Casablanca: $30
  • Old local Market visit+Moroccan cooking class with a local family: $53
  • Street Food Tour by Night: $61
  • Authentic Moroccan Food Tour in Casablanca with Dinner: $65
  • Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner: $65
  • Street private Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $68
  • Food Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $72
  • Experience Casablanca Night Tour & Authentic Moroccan Dinner: $74
  • Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner: $75
  • Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner: $101
  • Moroccan Cooking Class in Casablanca with Return Hotel Transfers: $108
  • Central Market Food Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Casablanca $9.07

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

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

  • Easy Stone Town Tour: $20
  • Stone Town tour: $20
  • 3 Hour Community Walking Tour: $20
  • Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
  • Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
  • Private Walking Tour in Stone Town: $25
  • Stone Town Cultural City Tour: $25
  • Stone Town Tour: $25
  • Stone Town walking tour, shopping, history and culture: $26
  • Zanzibar Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $26
  • Fair Tourism In Paje: $27

Tours and Activities in Casablanca

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Casablanca are as follows:

  • Platinum Tour - Hassan II Mosque and cathedral: $13
  • Skip the line Hassan 2 mosque Premium Tour entry ticket included: $15
  • Hassan II Mosque Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $15
  • Skip the line Hassan II Mosque guided Tour entry tickets included: $15
  • Private Tour the Mosque Hassan II & Notre Damme Cathedral: $17
  • Hassan II Mosque: Fast-Track Tickets Available!: $18
  • The Backstage of Art: Private Guided Tour: $21
  • Historical and Cultural Casablanca Half-Day Guided Tour: $21
  • Hassan II Mosque Premium Tour with Entry Ticket: $21
  • Traditional Souks Shopping Private Tour: $24
  • casablanca Shopping Hidden Souks : Private guided Tour: $26
  • Private or Group Guided City Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.72
    Casablanca -

Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:

  • Thrilling Pub Crawl In Zanzibar. Visit 3 Unique Bars: $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Casablanca

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

  • Wine Tasting and Lunch at the oldest Domaine from Casablanca: $299


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Casablanca, we can see that Casablanca is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Casablanca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Casablanca 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 Casablanca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Casablanca?

Casablanca has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Casablanca, 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 Casablanca?

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 Casablanca in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Casablanca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Casablanca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Casablanca. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Casablanca this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Casablanca during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Casablanca receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Casablanca. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Casablanca fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Casablanca 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Casablanca in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Casablanca. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Casablanca throughout the year.

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Casablanca. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Casablanca. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Casablanca. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Casablanca receives 233 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar is a little warmer than Casablanca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Casablanca fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Casablanca 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Casablanca in the Winter?

Both Casablanca and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Casablanca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Casablanca. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Casablanca during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Casablanca receives 190 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Casablanca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Casablanca averages at about 13°C (55°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Casablanca 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Casablanca in the Spring?

Both Casablanca and Zanzibar during the spring 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 Casablanca year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Casablanca. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Casablanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Casablanca. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Casablanca receives 262 hours of full sun.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Casablanca. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Casablanca fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Casablanca 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Casablanca and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Casablanca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 72 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)