Which place is cheaper, Jerusalem or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Jerusalem?
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 Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem?
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.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, and The Best Budget Tours to Israel.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Jerusalem $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Jerusalem is $108. 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 Jerusalem in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Jerusalem $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Jerusalem $128
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Jerusalem
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Jerusalem? 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 Jerusalem Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Jerusalem $6.74
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar transfer and taxi services: $15
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Standard Van: $17
- Zanzibar Airport Transfer ( Tax) To Stone Town: $19
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Private Transfer from Abeid Amani Karume Airport to Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $20
- Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $21
- Zanzibar Airport transfers and Taxi services: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.17
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Light Rail Jerusalem$9.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Private Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport To Haifa Hotels : $300
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
- Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
- Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Jerusalem?
Prices for flights to both Jerusalem 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 $17Jerusalem $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Half-Day Kuza Cave Swimming Adventure and Cooking Class: $13
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.69
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Watermelon$4.04
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.69
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Bagels$8.07
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Lunch for 2$15
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Snacks$5.65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
- Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Jerusalem $8.55
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Africa's Paradises Full Sightseeing Package Tours: $15
- Easy Stone Town Tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone town walking tour ( City tour): $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Private Stone Town City Tour Zanzibar : $25
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $25
- Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Cooking Classes for 2$34
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
- In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
- Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
- Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
- Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
- Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
- Old City Highlights Tour: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Jerusalem $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Beer$4.84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Jerusalem, we can see that Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem is in Middle East, 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Jerusalem?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Jerusalem, 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 Jerusalem?
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 Jerusalem in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Jerusalem. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Jerusalem. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Jerusalem during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 364 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Jerusalem. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Jerusalem averages at about 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Jerusalem 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Jerusalem in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Jerusalem. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Jerusalem. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Jerusalem. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 274 hours of full sun.
In October, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Jerusalem. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Jerusalem fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Jerusalem 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Jerusalem in the Winter?
Both Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Jerusalem. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 90 mm (3.5 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 Jerusalem during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Jerusalem receives 184 hours of full sun in the winter.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Jerusalem in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Jerusalem fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Jerusalem 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Jerusalem in the Spring?
Both Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Jerusalem. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Jerusalem receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Jerusalem. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jerusalem receives 269 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Jerusalem. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Jerusalem averages at about 16°C (61°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Jerusalem 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Jerusalem and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Jerusalem | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.