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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Zanzibar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $180. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Dubrovnik $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Dubrovnik $148
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik


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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Dubrovnik $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
  • Zanzibar Must-see Sights with Lunch and Transfers: $249
  • Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
  • The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
  • Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $96
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $96
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
  • Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
  • Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $88
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kendwa: $87
  • Private Transfer from Kendwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $87
  • Private Transfer from Kiwengwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $87

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $67
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $267
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $278
  • Arrival Private Transfer Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Business Car: $45
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport DBV to Dubrovnik by Luxury Van: $57
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $460
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $37
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Business Car: $40
  • Departure Private Transfers: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik Airport DBV in Luxury Van: $57
  • Departure Transfer: Dubrovnik to Airport DBV by Sedan Car: $57
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Cruise Port Arrival Private Transfer: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik $85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar

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

  • Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
  • Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
  • Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
  • Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $75
  • 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $99
  • Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
  • Fully Day Private Tour Spice Tour Cooking Class and Stone town: $130
  • Spice Farm with Cooking Class + Lunch and Stone town (City tour): $130
  • Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
  • Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
  • Mnemba Snorkeling Tour, Secret Garden, Stone Town Tour, Emerson Spice Dinner: $150

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dubrovnik & Dinner At St Jacob Beach: $99
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $115
  • Dinner in the Sky Dubrovnik - Dine 50m Above Ground: $136
  • Old Town Dubrovnik Food Tour of 8 Authentic Croatian Tastings: $138
  • Dinner on Peljesac with 5-Course Signature Wine & Food: $156
  • Croatian Traditional Cuisine: Peka Cooking Lesson: $157
  • Dubrovnik Sunset Cruise with dinner on board: $159
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $162
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $201
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $279

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Dubrovnik $17

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

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

  • 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
  • 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
  • 3inONE, Private Spice, Stone Town & Prison Island Tours: $120
  • 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $68
  • 5 HOURS Stone Town Tour Including Pick-up and Drop off: $70
  • A Full Day Private Tour To Prison Island + Nakupenda + Stone Town: $150
  • A Half Day Private Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour To Mnemba Island: $95
  • A Half Day Private Nungwi Village Tour (With Turtles Aquarium): $78
  • A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour: $106
  • A Half Day Private Stone Town Tour: $85
  • A Half Day Private Tour To Jozani Forest: $87

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $15
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $61
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $51

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.

  • Self Guided Private Tour of Dubrovnik's Best Kept Secrets: $2.28
  • Dubrovnik Medieval Adventure: Self-Guided City Quest: $4.93
  • Game of Thrones Filming Locations Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $5.00
  • Selfguide® Secrets Tour Dubrovnik with Game of Thrones Spots: $5.22
  • Self guided walking tour of Dubrovnik with audio guide: $5.80
  • Dubrovnik Game Of Thrones self-guided tour with mobile app: $8.99
  • Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $9.27
  • Skip the Line: Love Stories Museum Admission Ticket: $10
  • TOP Dubrovnik : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
  • Beyond the Walls: A Historical Dubrovnik Audio Tour: $12
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Hajduk Split Stadium Tour: An Unforgettable Experience: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.75
    Dubrovnik $19

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 Dubrovnik

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

  • Dubrovnik Sunset Tour with Wine Tasting: $41
  • Panoramic Dubrovnik Tour Golden Hour Sunset and Wine Tasting: $45
  • Wine Tasting in Konavle, Near Dubrovnik & Cavtat – Join Us!: $52
  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $70
  • Private Scenic Sunset Tour & Premium Wine Tasting Above Dubrovnik: $75
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $80
  • Sunset wine tasting in vineyard: $93
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik -Train Ride &Wine Tasting: $93
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $93
  • 2-Hour Kayaking at Sunset with Wine Tasting and Appetizers: $99
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $102
  • Konavle Valley Tour, Train Ride and Wine Tasting from Kolocep: $103


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Dubrovnik?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in July than Dubrovnik. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Dubrovnik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Dubrovnik. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

Zanzibar is much warmer than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)