Which place is cheaper, Interlaken 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 Interlaken?
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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken?
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.
Interlaken
Interlaken is a small city that is located in the Bernese Highlands Region of central Switzerland. It sits pleasantly between two Alpine Lakes, Brienzersee and Thunersee. This scenic setting and its easy accessibility make it a popular base camp for travel into the Bernese Oberland Alps. It has become a top tourist destination in Switzerland and it is also a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts with plenty of hiking, skiing, paragliding, and other activities in the region.. Interlaken is a great hoping off point to explore many of the nearby mountains, lakes, and valleys, too. It offers easy transportation to most major Swiss cities by train or car.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesInterlaken Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Interlaken $315
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Interlaken is $315. 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 Interlaken in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Interlaken $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Interlaken $302
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Interlaken
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Interlaken? 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 Interlaken Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Interlaken $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kiwengwa: $65
- Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
- Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
- Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $56
- 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
- Zanzibar Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Jambiani Beach: $40
- Zanzibar Must-see Sights with Lunch and Transfers: $249
- Zanzibar Island Private Taxi Airport and Hotel Transfer: $50
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
- Zanzibar Dolphin Tour, Jozani Forest & Salaam Cave with Transfer: $80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Interlaken
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Interlaken are as follows:
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Cable Cars (for 2)$74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Interlaken
Also for Interlaken, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Day Hike to Augstmatthorn with Transfer from Interlaken: $262
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Lucerne: $325
- Private Group transfer Interlaken - Zurich Airport: $892
- Private Transfer from interlaken City to Lucerne City: $162
- Private direct transfer from Interlaken to Zurich: $255
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Interlaken?
Prices for flights to both Interlaken 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 $28Interlaken $125
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 Cooking Lesson: $70
- 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
- Mnemba Snorkeling Tour, Secret Garden, Stone Town Tour, Emerson Spice Dinner: $150
Typical Food Prices in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Tea at Interlaken$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- From Night Sledding with Cheese Fondue Dinner: $161
- Fondue Cooking Class and Cheese Workshop in Switzerland: $175
- Night Sledding & Fondue Dinner with Guide: $186
- Cheese and Chocolate Full-Day Food Tour: $836
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Interlaken $118
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
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
- 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- 3inONE, Private Spice, Stone Town & Prison Island Tours: $120
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $68
- 5 HOURS Stone Town Tour Including Pick-up and Drop off: $70
- 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 Interlaken
For Interlaken, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $8.78
- Private Lake Thun and Lake Brienz Express Tour from Interlaken: $32
- Admission ticket for the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum: $40
- Experience Switzerland in the Ballenberg open-air museum: $40
- Forest Wildlife Park Hiking Tour from Hofstetten: $45
- Funicular Ticket to Harder Kulm: $47
- Rope Park Climbing Adventure with Entry Ticket: $56
- Lenk High-altitude circuit Gryden with mountain railway ticket Betelberg: $73
- Schilthorn - Piz Gloria Ticket: $74
- Interlaken Golden Hour Social Bike Tour: $99
- Attraction Ticket: Interlaken to Harder Funicular: $101
- Interlaken Cruise Day Pass Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, 2nd class: $104
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Interlaken $19
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Interlaken, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Interlaken?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?
Interlaken 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 Interlaken in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Interlaken. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Interlaken averages at about 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Interlaken 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Interlaken in the Autumn?
Both Interlaken 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Interlaken. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Interlaken 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Interlaken in the Winter?
Both Interlaken 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. Furthermore, the skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.
It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Zanzibar is much warmer than Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Interlaken. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Interlaken 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Interlaken in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Interlaken. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Interlaken during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 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 Interlaken. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Interlaken 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Interlaken and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Interlaken | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.