Which place is cheaper, Izmir 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 Izmir?
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 Izmir 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 Izmir?
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.
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.
-
Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesIzmir Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Izmir $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $86. 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 Izmir in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Izmir $43
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Izmir $86
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Izmir
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Izmir? 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 Izmir Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Izmir $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Abeid Amani Karume Airport Pick-Up & Hotel Transfer in Zanzibar: $20
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Airport and Hotels Transfers: $15
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Half Day Zanzibar City Tour with Airport Transfer: $30
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
- Private Airport Transfers to Stone Town and Beyond: $20
- Private Airport transfers to any hotel in Zanzibar (Arrivals): $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $248
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $66
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $91
- Ayvalık to Izmir Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Balikesir Edremit Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $112
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
- Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Vito or Minibus ( Meet Transfer): $45
- Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $112
- Dalaman Airport - Marmaris - Fethiye Meet Transfer: $48
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
- Dalaman Airport Transfer: Travel in Comfort to Fethiye: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Izmir?
Prices for flights to both Izmir 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 $28Izmir $30
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 Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $90
- Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $295
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Izmir $14
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Zanzibar Unveiled From Slaves to Sultans Audio Tour: $7.08
- Nyange Sandbank & Snorkelling tour with BBQ lunch: $12
- Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $13
- Private Stone Town Cultural & Historical Walking Tour - Zanzibar: $16
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $16
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $18
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar: $18
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour Experience: $18
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $19
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
- Marmaris Turtle Beach Dalyan River Cruise and Mud Bath Adventure: $47
- Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
- Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
- Ephesus Tour: $65
- Marmaris Pirate Themed Family Boat Cruise with Lunch: $65
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $71
- Pamukkale Tour from Izmir to Hierapolis and Travertines: $77
- PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $79
- Izmir City Tour: $84
- From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Izmir $6.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $124
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $277
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Izmir, we can see that Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir 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 Izmir Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Izmir?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Izmir, 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 Izmir?
Izmir 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 Izmir in the Summer?
Both Izmir 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, many travelers come to Izmir for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is cooler than Izmir. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Izmir averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Izmir during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Izmir. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Izmir 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Izmir in the Autumn?
Both Izmir 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Izmir in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.
In October, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Izmir. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Izmir. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Izmir 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Izmir in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Izmir. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Izmir for the cuisine during these months.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Izmir in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Izmir during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.
Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Izmir. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Izmir 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Izmir in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Izmir. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Izmir because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Izmir. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Izmir averages at about 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Izmir. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Izmir. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Izmir 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Izmir and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Izmir | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.