Which place is cheaper, Helsinki 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 Helsinki?
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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki?
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.
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Finland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesHelsinki Prices
Finland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Helsinki $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Helsinki is $191. 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 Helsinki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Helsinki $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Helsinki $168
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Helsinki
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Helsinki? 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 Helsinki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Helsinki $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Nungwi: $65
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kiwengwa: $65
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kendwa: $65
- Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
- Zanzibar VIP Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Zanzibar Tour in Secret Beach, Kuza Cave and Jozani with transfer: $120
- Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
- Zanzibar Sea Fishing Boat Tour experience with Transfer: $85
- Zanzibar Quad Adventures from Nungwi or Kendwa & Hotel Transfer: $95
- Zanzibar Private Transfer – From Airport to Any Hotel: $50
- Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $88
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $105
- Airport Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $112
- Arrival Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $105
- Arrival Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by MB Van: $112
- Departure Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $112
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki West Terminal Private Transfer: $68
- Helsinki City Private Departure Transfer to Helsinki Airport HEL: $66
- Helsinki Private Airport & City Transfer: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Helsinki?
Prices for flights to both Helsinki 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 $28Helsinki $69
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
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $121
- From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $171
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $176
- Stones & Slices: Raasepori Castle Ruins, Ekenäs Old Town & Pizza: $235
- Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $270
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Helsinki $31
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 Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island: $25
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $135
- A Full Day Private Tour To Prison Island + Nakupenda + Stone Town: $150
- A Half Day Private Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour To Mnemba Island: $95
- A Half Day Private Nungwi Village Tour (With Turtles Aquarium): $78
- A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour: $106
- A Half Day Private Stone Town Tour: $85
- A Half Day Private Tour To Jozani Forest: $87
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- The 1st Helsinki Free Tour - Since 2016: $3.54
- Helsinki Free Walking Tour en Español Small Group: $5.88
- Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Helsinki Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $7.19
- Helsinki Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.24
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $12
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
- Discover Helsinki City Walk - Multiple Tours Daily: $24
- TAITO: The Helsinki Design, Industry & Architecture Walking Tour: $29
- Suomenlinna Ferry and Guided Walking Tour in the Fortress: $31
- Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $33
- Helsinki Evening Cruise: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Helsinki $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Helsinki, we can see that Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Helsinki?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Helsinki, 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 Helsinki?
Helsinki 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 Helsinki in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Helsinki. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
In July, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Helsinki. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Helsinki. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 275 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Helsinki. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Helsinki 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Helsinki in the Autumn?
Both Helsinki and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Helsinki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Helsinki fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Helsinki during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Helsinki. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Helsinki 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Helsinki in the Winter?
Both Helsinki 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. Also, many visitors come to Helsinki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Helsinki can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Helsinki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Helsinki averages at about -6°C (21°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Helsinki. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Helsinki receives 39 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Helsinki. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Helsinki -6°C (21°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Helsinki in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Helsinki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, most visitors come to Helsinki for the natural beauty during these months.
Helsinki can be very cold during spring. In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Helsinki. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Helsinki fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Helsinki during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Helsinki receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Helsinki. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Helsinki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Helsinki 3°C (37°F)
Typical Weather for Helsinki and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Helsinki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 58 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.