Which place is cheaper, Geneva 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 Geneva?
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 Geneva 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesGeneva Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Geneva $290
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Geneva is $290. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Geneva $169
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Geneva $338
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Geneva? 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 Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Geneva $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Abeid Amani Karume Airport Pick-Up & Hotel Transfer in Zanzibar: $20
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Airport and Hotels Transfers: $15
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Half Day Zanzibar City Tour with Airport Transfer: $30
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
- Private Airport Transfers to Stone Town and Beyond: $20
- Private Airport transfers to any hotel in Zanzibar (Arrivals): $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $83
- Airport Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Luxury Van: $111
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Business Car: $98
- Arrival Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Business Car: $98
- Arrival Transfer: Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Luxury Van: $111
- Departure Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $111
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $184
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $176
- Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva City Private Transfer: $200
- Geneva Airport: Private Transfer To Geneva City/Chamonix City: $120
- Geneva Int Airport (GVA) to La Clusaz - Arrival Private Transfer: $173
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 $28Geneva $106
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
- Zanzibar Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $50
- Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- Cooking Class Tour: $90
- A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $107
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
- Zanzibar Full-Day Tour Jozani Forest and Swahili Cooking Class: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $221
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $223
- Geneva Food tour : Cheeses, wine, chocolate & fun: $250
- Food tour with EAT and CHILL TOUR Geneva & Lausanne: $289
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Geneva $35
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Zanzibar Unveiled From Slaves to Sultans Audio Tour: $7.08
- Nyange Sandbank & Snorkelling tour with BBQ lunch: $12
- Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $13
- Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar: $16
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $16
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $18
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour Experience: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $18
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $19
- Zanzibar Green Tour Spice Farm and Butterfly Centre: $20
Tours and Activities in Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Geneva Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Jet d’Eau de Genève guided tour of the city icon: $6.42
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Geneva Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h10 and 24 Audio Comments: $7.57
- Highlights of Dark History Quest Experience: $7.83
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
- Geneva Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.42
- TOP Geneva : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $12
- Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $13
- Small-Group Guided Walking Tour of Geneva Old Town: $22
- 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Geneva $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine Tasting At A Castle By E-Bike: $191
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $263
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $537
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Geneva?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
Geneva 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 Geneva in the Summer?
Both Geneva and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Geneva averages at about 22°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Geneva. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Geneva in the Autumn?
Both Geneva 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Geneva in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Geneva. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Geneva can be very cold during winter. Zanzibar is much warmer than Geneva in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Geneva in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Geneva. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Geneva. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Geneva averages at about 11°C (53°F).
In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.