Which place is cheaper, Hanoi or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zanzibar or Hanoi?
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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi?
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.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.
-
Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesHanoi Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Hanoi $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Hanoi is $58. 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 Hanoi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Hanoi $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Hanoi $50
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Hanoi
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Hanoi? 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 Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Hanoi $6.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus: $68
- Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar: $30
- Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar (24/7): $29
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels: $45
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
-
Taxi to Bus Station$1.15
-
Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.08
-
Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.38
-
Short Taxi Ride$1.31
-
Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- 1 Day Halong Bay Tour on Alova Cruise with Transfer & Lunch: $63
- 2 Days 1 night Ba Be Lake BEST ADVENTURE: transfer,homestay,boat,kayak,swim,cave: $153
- 2 Days Halong Bay Luxury Cruise with Hanoi Transfer: $255
- 2 Days Halong Bay With Budget Cruise - Including Transfer From Hanoi: $148
- 2-Day Adenture Pu Luong Motorbike Tour with Transfer from HANOI: $125
- 2-Day Halong Bay & Ninh Binh Tour With Transfer - Best Seller: $120
- 2-Day Halong Bay Cruise from Hanoi with Transfers & Kayaking: $179
- 2-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay With Transfer: $190
- 2-Day In Halong Bay Cruise With Transfer From Hanoi: $200
- 2-Day Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay With Transfer, Meals, Guide: $210
- 2-Day Sapa Package Tours & Limousine Transfer: $150
- 2-day Ha Long Bay Cruise included Transfer, Kayking and Swimming: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Hanoi?
Prices for flights to both Hanoi 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
-
Food Meals for one dayZanzibar $28Hanoi $23
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 Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- 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
- A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
-
High End Dinner (for Two)$11
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.23
-
Bowl of Pho$0.77
-
Italian Dinner (for Food)$5.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Private Hanoi Cycling Sightseeing & Street Food Tour By Bike: $1.90
- Private Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Tour with Student Guide: $1.90
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR: $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: Old Quarter Food & Local Experiences: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour with Train-Street Visit: $21
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: Hidden Local Eats & Full Meal Experience: $22
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Train Street Visit: $23
- Hanoi Farm-to-Table Cooking Class with Village Cycling: $24
- Hanoi Street Food Tour with Experience Guide & Real Foodie: $24
- Hanoi Food Tours: $24
- Street Food Tour Hanoi By Walking: $25
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Hanoi $8.20
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
- Safari Blue island of Kwale Adventure: $8.00
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $14
- Zanzibar Private Spice Farm Tour With Optional Lunch: $17
- Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar with local guide Mohamed,: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour: $20
- City tours zanzibar: $20
- Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar: $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Puppet Theater$1.54
-
The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.54
-
National History Museum$1.54
-
Puppet Theater Ticket$2.69
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hanoi Old Quarter Customized City Sightseeing Private Tour: $1.90
- Hanoi Quang Phu Cau Incense Village Tour With Coffee Train Street: $1.90
- Ninh Binh Tràng An Boat Trip, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Cave Tour: $1.90
- Private Hanoi City Sightseeing Shore Excursion From Halong Port: $1.90
- Full-Day Mai Chau Valley Tour from Hanoi with Cycling, Culture: $1.90
- Sapa Cat Cat Village, Y Linh Ho Tour By Motorbike Or Walking: $1.90
- Ninh Binh Tour: Trang An, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda: $1.90
- Sapa Herbal Incense Handicrafts Making Workshop Tour From Sapa: $1.90
- Hanoi Highlights: History, Heritage & Egg Coffee Experience Tour: $1.90
- Hanoi Old Quarter City Sightseeing Walking Tour With Funny Guide: $1.90
- Sapa Motorbike Tour: Cat Cat Village, O Quy Ho Pass, Waterfall: $1.90
- Hanoi City Cycling Tour: West Lake, Old Quarter & Cultural Sights: $1.90
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Hanoi $7.42
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Night Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Free Shots: $45
When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Hanoi, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Hanoi is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Hanoi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Hanoi?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Hanoi, 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 Hanoi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hanoi in the Summer?
Both Hanoi and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Hanoi is May to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Hanoi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hanoi in the Autumn?
Both Hanoi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Hanoi. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Hanoi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Hanoi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Hanoi 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hanoi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Hanoi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Hanoi. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Hanoi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Hanoi averages at about 17°C (63°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Hanoi 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hanoi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Hanoi. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Hanoi. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Hanoi 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Hanoi and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Hanoi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.