Which place is cheaper, Hue 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 Hue?
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 Hue 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 Hue?
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.
Hue
Hue is a major city in central Vietnam and was historically the imperial capital. The city was the base for the imperial Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. During the Vietnam War the city faced many challenges. It was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days. During this time about 3,000 people were slaughtered for their political views, education level, or religious affiliation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Vietnam, and The Best Cultural Tours in Vietnam.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesHue Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Hue $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Hue is $56. 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 Hue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Hue $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Hue $44
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Hue
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Hue? 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 Hue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Hue $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Prison Island Half Day Journey With Transfers - Zanzibar: $14
- Prison Island Excursion Half-Day Tour with Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
- Prison Island Experience Half Day Trip With Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
- Prison Island Adventure Half Day Tour With Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
- Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $17
- Prison Island Experience Half Day Tour With Transfer - Zanzibar: $18
- Zanzibar Airport/Hotels transfer best price: $19
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Arrivals: $20
- Guided Tour of Stone Town's Historic Sites + Transfer – Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels : $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour with Transfers – Zanzibar: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hue
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Hue:
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Cyclo$0.45
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Short Taxi Ride$0.83
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Taxi Ride to Tombs$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hue:
- Bus Transfer From Hue to Phong Nha 1 Way: $19
- Bus Transfer From Hue - Phong Nha: $16
- Da Nang Airport: Private Transfer to/from Hue City: $94
- Deluxe Transfer Hue to Hoi An by Amazing way: $25
- From Hue : Transfer Hue To Hoi An with Sightseeing Stops: $16
- From Hue to Golden Bridge - Ba Na Via Hai Van Pass (Private Roundtrip Transfer): $85
- From Bus Transfer to Hoi An with Sightseeing Stops: $15
- From Hoi An Bus Transfer with 4 Sightseeing Stops: $13
- From Hoi An Bus Transfer with Hai Van Pass & Marble …: $15
- From Hoi An Bus Transfer with Hai Van Pass & Marble …: $16
- From One-Way Shared Bus Transfer to Da Nang: $12
- From Private Car Transfer to Da Nang: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Hue?
Prices for flights to both Hue 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 $30Hue $25
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
Typical Food Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hue are as follows:
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River Night Market Dinner (for Two)$7.58
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Two Sugarcane Drinks$0.76
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Quick Lunch (for Two)$2.08
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$4.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hue
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hue.
- Hue Food Tour by Walking or Cyclo or Motorbike with Driver: $21
- Walking Street Food tour in Hue: $26
- Hue Walking Street Food Tour: $27
- Hue City: Cyclo, Market Tour & Cooking Class at Madam Thu: $27
- Eat Like a Local with a Local Hue Food Tour : $30
- Home Cooking Class and Dinner with Local Chef in Hue City: $31
- HUE : NIGHT WALKING AND STREET FOOD TOUR: $31
- Hue : Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Cooking Class with Local Family: $33
- Hue : Night Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $33
- Guided Local Food Tour with Tastings: $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Hue $11
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Zanzibar Organic Spice Farm Tour: $13
- Zanzibar : Stone Town Tour,history without transport: $14
- Spice Tour Zanzibar : $15
- Zanzibar stonetown walking tour with local guide: $18
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
- Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- City tours zanzibar : $20
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
- Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hue
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hue are as follows:
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Boat Ride$7.39
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$1.06
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Imperial Citadel Entrance$3.03
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Massage at Institute for the Blind$1.52
Tours and Activities in Hue
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hue are as follows:
- Eat like a local with a local - Walking Tour: $2.00
- Hue Imperial Ancient City Walking Tour: $2.00
- Traditional Singing on Huong River Ticket: $4.03
- Private City Tour By Car - English Speaking Driver: $4.72
- Vietnam Song Lab Digital Art Center Entry Ticket: $7.66
- Hue Imperial City 3 Hour Walking Tour for Budget Travelers: $8.00
- City Tour with Driver - Customized Your Own Itinerary: $8.66
- Experience Paper Flower Making in Hue for a Cause: $10
- Private City Tour by Car with English-Speaking Driver: $10
- Imperial City Walk, Motorbike Tour & Private Car Options: $10
- Hue Royal Tombs Tour Visit 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13
- Royal Tombs Private Tour with 3 Best Tombs & Pagoda: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Hue $5.49
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hue
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Hue:
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Beer$0.95
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Hue, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Hue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zanzibar is in Africa and Hue is in Asia, 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 Hue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hue 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 Zanzibar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zanzibar than you might in Hue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Hue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Hue?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Hue. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Hue, 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 Hue?
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 Hue in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Hue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Hue attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
March to August in Hue is the dry season. Also, September to December is the rainy season in Hue. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Hue. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hue receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hue this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Hue during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.
Zanzibar is cooler than Hue in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Hue fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Hue 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hue in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Hue. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hue throughout the year.
September to December in Hue is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hue. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Hue. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hue receives 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Hue. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 158 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Hue. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Hue averages at about 25°C (78°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Hue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hue in the Winter?
Both Hue and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hue because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Hue is March to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hue. In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Hue. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hue receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Hue during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Hue receives 136 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Hue. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Hue fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Hue 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hue in the Spring?
Both Hue and Zanzibar during the spring 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 Hue year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Hue. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hue receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Hue, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Hue. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hue receives 210 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Hue in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Hue fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Hue 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Hue and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Hue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 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.