Which place is cheaper, Hamburg 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 Hamburg?
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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg?
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.
Hamburg
Hamburg is most noted for its port, which is the largest in Germany and the second busiest in Europe. Despite it's size, it is actually located about 100 kilometers from the North Sea on the River Elbe. The popularity of this port has given Hamburg the nickname as Germany's Gateway to the World. The city itself is the second largest in Germany and the metropolitan area has a population of over 4 million people.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesHamburg Prices
Germany Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Hamburg $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Hamburg is $162. 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 Hamburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Hamburg $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Hamburg $124
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Hamburg
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Hamburg? 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 Hamburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Hamburg $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- Half Day Zanzibar City Tour with Airport Transfer: $30
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Paje and Jambiani Transfers from Stone Town: $35
- Private Airport Transfers in Zanzibar To Stone Town: $20
- Private Airport Transfers to Stone Town and Beyond: $20
- Private Airport to any hotel transfer: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Jambiani Beach Zanzibar: $44
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hamburg
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hamburg:
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Short Distance Ubahn Ticket$1.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hamburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hamburg:
- Airport Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg by Business Car: $109
- Airport Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Business Car: $107
- Airport Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Luxury Car: $155
- Airport Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Luxury Van: $115
- Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $81
- Arrival Private Transfers from Hamburg Airport XFW to Hamburg City: $97
- Arrival Transfer: Airport HAM to Hamburg by Business Car: $103
- Arrival Transfer: Hamburg Airport HAM to Hamburg by Luxury Van: $115
- Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $81
- Departure Private Transfers from Hamburg City to Hamburg Airport XFW: $97
- Departure Transfer: Hamburg to Airport HAM by Business Car: $103
- Departure Transfer: Hamburg to Hamburg Airport HAM by Luxury Van: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Hamburg?
Prices for flights to both Hamburg 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 $28Hamburg $69
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 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
- Private Dinner on Sandbank in Zanzibar: $150
- Mnemba Snorkeling Tour, Secret Garden, Stone Town Tour, Emerson Spice Dinner: $150
Typical Food Prices in Hamburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hamburg:
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Pink Thai Soup Dinner and Spring Rolls$17
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Currywurst and Pommes Frites$5.72
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Donner Kebab and Coke$6.86
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Traditional Hamburg Dinner w/ Beer$17
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Donner Kebab Lunch$4.57
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Sandwich and Coffee Break$6.86
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Fish Sandwich from Fish Market$4.00
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Coffee and Donut$4.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hamburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hamburg.
- St. Pauli kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $57
- Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $63
- Elbphilharmonie Plaza and HafenCity Food Tour: $63
- Reeperbahn Tour and Dinner Voucher St. Pauli for Connoisseurs: $68
- Elphi Plaza und HafenCity kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $68
- Hamburg Walking Food Tour with 7 Authentic Local Dishes: $113
- Hamburg Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $126
- Hamburg Traditional Food Tour: Full Meal and Drinks: $127
- St. Pauli: Guided Food Tour with 5 Tastings: $524
- The Wilhelmsburg Food Tour: $524
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Hamburg $45
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Stone Town Self Audio Guide Tour With Tourist Map: $6.00
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $15
- Stone town Private Walking Tour: $16
- Golden Walking Tour Of Stone Town Zanzibar: $17
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
- City Tour with French guide: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $18
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- Best Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hamburg
Here are a few typical costs in Hamburg for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tower at St. Michael's Church$4.00
Tours and Activities in Hamburg
Here are a few actual costs in Hamburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Free tour: Centro Histórico. Tú decides el precio al final: $1.16
- Hamburg Relax Lounge – Private Massage Experience by NAIPO: $1.18
- Free Tour: Port, Red Light District and Beatles. You decide how much to pay at the end: $1.45
- Guided tour of Hamburg's UNESCO World Heritage Site - Warehouses & Cathedrals of Commerce: $2.33
- Guided tour of Hamburg's Speicherstadt - warehouse, free port & duty-free: $2.33
- City tour through Hamburg St. Georg – dreams, diversity, and tolerance: $2.33
- Guided tour of Hamburg's Neustadt - ramparts, Gängeviertel & Neustädter: $2.33
- Freewalking Tour Hamburg St.Georg Dreams, diversity and tolerance: $3.47
- The Local Tour of Hamburg Historic Centre: $3.47
- Historic Free Tour of Hamburg Old Warehouse District: $3.47
- Free Tour: History of the Port, Red Light District and the Beatles: $3.47
- Hanseatic Pulse A Self Guided Walking Tour of Hamburg: $4.19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Hamburg $20
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 Hamburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Hamburg:
- Party Walk & legendary pub crawl through St. Paul & Reeperbahn: $20
- The Original Hamburg Pub Crawl Sex & Crime St. Pauli Tour: $21
- Original Hamburg Pub Crawl Sex & Crime St. Pauli Tour: $21
- Pub Crawl - Drink & Dare: $29
- Night Pub Crawl through the Reeperbahn: $29
- Hamburg Pub Crawl with Free Welcome Drinks and Club Entry: $35
- Private Pub Crawl in Hamburg with The Crawl Co: $35
- Hamburg Private Pub Crawl Nightlife Experience with Local Guide: $35
- Reeperbahn Pub Crawl with Shots and Games: $35
- Hamburg Pub Crawl U Bahn Bars and Reeperbahn Club: $41
- Reeperbahn pub crawl with insider-guide & shots: $335
- Bachelor party Pub crawl & party for your bachelor party: $419
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Hamburg, we can see that Hamburg 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 Hamburg 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 Hamburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hamburg 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 Hamburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Hamburg?
Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?
Hamburg 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 Hamburg in the Summer?
Both Hamburg 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, most visitors come to Hamburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Hamburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Hamburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Hamburg 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hamburg in the Autumn?
Both Hamburg 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Hamburg averages at about 10°C (50°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hamburg. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Hamburg 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hamburg in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Hamburg. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.
It's quite cold in Hamburg in the winter. In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Hamburg. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Hamburg 0°C (33°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hamburg in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Hamburg. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Hamburg for the natural beauty.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Hamburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Hamburg. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Hamburg 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Hamburg and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Hamburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 2°C (35°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.