Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil?
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 Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Guayaquil $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kiwengwa: $65
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kendwa: $65
- Jozani Forest Guided Tour, Red Colobus and transfer: $67
- Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
- Zanzibar taxi service/airport transfer: $60
- Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
- Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $56
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $44
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $40
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Nungwi Beach to the Airport: $40
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Nungwi Beach to the Airport: $44
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Michamvi Beach to the Airport: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 $30Guayaquil $50
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
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
- Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Guayaquil $21
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dolphin tour,See food lunch ,Aquarium ,Nunqwi beach,Sunset cruse: $145
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Mnemba Island, Nungwi Village & Sea Turtle Experience: $160
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $120
- Stone Town Historical tour: $26
- Stone town historical walking tour with Mohamed: $30
- 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $25
- 3h-Zanzibar Archipelago Shared ATV Experience: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Guayaquil $17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Guayaquil. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Guayaquil. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil and Zanzibar during the winter 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 Guayaquil year-round.
Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Guayaquil. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Guayaquil in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.