Which place is cheaper, Fortaleza or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Fortaleza?
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 Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza?
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.
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, and The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesFortaleza Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Fortaleza $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Fortaleza is $85. 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 Fortaleza in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Fortaleza $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Fortaleza $58
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Fortaleza
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Fortaleza? 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 Fortaleza Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Fortaleza $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Mercedes-Benz: $300
- Zanzibar Must-see Sights with Lunch and Transfers: $249
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: $220
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- Zanzibar Golf Adventure in Paradise with Hotel Transfer: $148
- Safari Blue Zanzibar - Seafood Lunch, Sandbank & Hotel Transfer: $145
- Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $121
- Zanzibar Tour in Secret Beach, Kuza Cave and Jozani with transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $95
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $95
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $95
- Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cumbuco Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $78
- Cumbuco Shared Transfer From Fortaleza: $46
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza Round-Trip Private Transfer: $64
- Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $53
- Fortaleza Airport Shared Transfer: $41
- Fortaleza Airport to Cumbuco–Way Transfer: $47
- Fortaleza Round-Trip Airport Transfers: $52
- Fortaleza Roundtrip Airport Transfers: $41
- Fortaleza to Fortaleza Airport (FOR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Fortaleza to/from Jericoacoara Transfer: $34
- Beach Park Round-Trip Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Fortaleza?
Prices for flights to both Fortaleza 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 $28Fortaleza $40
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 Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- 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
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $97
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
- half day tours spice Farm with Cooking Class: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Fortaleza $15
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
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island: $26
- 5 HOURS Stone Town Tour Including Pick-up and Drop off: $70
- A Full Day Safari Blue Tour And Blue Lagoon: $140
- A Half Day Private Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour To Mnemba Island: $95
- A Half Day Private Stone Town Tour: $85
- A Half Day Private Tour To Jozani Forest: $87
- A Half Day Private Tour to Spice Farm: $80
- A Private Full Day Tour To Stone Town & Spice Farm: $90
- Authentic Stone Town Walking Tour With The Local Zanzibar Cuisine: $67
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $13
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $17
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
- Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $20
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $24
- Panoramic City Tour with Cumbuco Beach - ForYou Receptive: $24
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $24
- Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $24
- Lagoinha Beach Tour: $25
- Highlights City Tour: $27
- Tour to Cumbuco Beach: $28
- Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Fortaleza $9.79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Fortaleza, we can see that Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza 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 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 Fortaleza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Fortaleza?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Fortaleza, 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 Fortaleza?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza in the Summer?
Both Fortaleza 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 beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fortaleza this time of year.
In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Fortalezain January. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Fortaleza fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Fortalezain January. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fortaleza receives 221 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Fortalezain January. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. July to January is the dry season in Fortaleza. January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Fortaleza in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Fortaleza. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fortaleza for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Fortaleza in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Fortaleza fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Fortaleza during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Fortaleza receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Fortaleza receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Fortalezain April. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 356 mm (14 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Fortaleza 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Fortaleza in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Fortaleza. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Fortaleza in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Fortaleza. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Fortaleza averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Fortalezain July. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Fortaleza receives 256 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Fortalezain July. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. January to July in Fortaleza is the rainy season.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Fortaleza 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Fortaleza in the Spring?
Both Fortaleza 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, most visitors come to Fortaleza for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Fortalezain October. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Fortaleza fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Fortaleza. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Fortaleza during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Fortaleza receives 287 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Fortalezain October. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Fortaleza and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Fortaleza | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.