Which place is cheaper, Florence or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Florence?
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 Florence 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 Florence?
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.
Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Florence $165
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Florence is $165. 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 Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Florence $93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Florence $186
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Florence? 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 Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Florence $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- From Mystery Day Safari with Transfer: $500
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers : $260
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Kiwengwa: $200
- Safari blue tour with Lunch and Transfers: $180
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
- Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $141
- Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Luxury Sedan: $125
- Ferry Zanzibar :Transfer services: $120
- Jozani Forest and Spice Farm Tour With Transfer: $110
- Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $109
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
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Taxi Ride Within City$8.57
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Taxi from Airport$27
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In City Parking (Full Day)$32
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Bus Pass (Full Day)$5.36
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Bus From Airport$5.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Florence to Pisa Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Private Oneway Transfer Florence Airport to Florence Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Florence to Milan: $216
- Arrival Private Transfer: Florence Airport FLR to Florence in Luxury Van: $202
- Chianti Wine Tastings and Visit to 3 Cellars with Lunch&Transfer: $236
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Montecatini Terme - RoundTrip Transfer: $184
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Siena or Sovicille - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $210
- Florence Airport (FLR): One-Way/Roundtrip Private Transfer: $316
- Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
- Florence Airport to Chianciano Arrival Private Transfer: $146
- Florence Private Transfer from or to Florence Airport, Train Station and Hotel: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence 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 $17Florence $38
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
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
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Panini Sandwich$6.96
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $29
- Florence Street Food Tour, Market and City Center: $31
- Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $33
- Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $37
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $59
- Cooking Art Brunelleschi : $59
- 3- Cooking Making Spaghetti & Lasagna: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Florence $32
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $130
- Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour: $35
- Zanzibar Spice Tour : $47
- 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
- 2day Zanzibar adventure: Prison Island & Sandbank (all-incl): $538
- 3 HOURS PRISON ISLAND TOUR IN ZANZIBAR: $60
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $30
- 3-Day Selous Game Reserve Safari & Cultural tour with Flight: $1,345
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Admission to Uffizi$12
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Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi$4.29
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Firenze Card (for Two)$107
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Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)$21
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Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee$6.43
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Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee$7.50
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- Relive the Renaissance on a Guided Walking Tour: $2.69
- Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.69
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.26
- Florence Walking Tour: $3.26
- Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.28
- Sunset Walking Tour: $3.28
- Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.29
- Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
- Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99
- Galleria dell' Accademia Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99
- Florence and Pisa self guided tour: $6.45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Florence $20
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 Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
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Glass of Chianti$4.50
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Bottle of Wine$8.04
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Sip, Savor, Save! Youth Wine Tasting Tour with Appitisers: $28
- Wine Tasting Experience with Three Types of Tuscan Wine: $29
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Private Wine Tasting Experience in the heart of Tuscany: $33
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
- Wine Tasting Experience in Florence city centre: $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Florence?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Florence, 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 Florence?
Florence 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 Florence in the Summer?
Both Florence 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, the summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Florence. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Florence. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Florence 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Florence in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Florence. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Florence during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Florence. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Florence 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Florence in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Florence. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Florence. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Florence 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Florence in the Spring?
Both Florence 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, many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Florence. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Florence 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Florence and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Florence | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 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.