Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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 Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Koh Phi Phi $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $93. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Koh Phi Phi $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Koh Phi Phi $98
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Koh Phi Phi $7.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar VIP Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers: $260
- Zanzibar JetCar ride with drone video and transfer included: $168
- The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $98
- Zanzibar Quad Adventures from Nungwi or Kendwa & Hotel Transfer: $95
- Zanzibar Old Town Private Transfer: $95
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Private Transfer from Jambiani to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
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Longboat Taxi$3.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $79
- Koh Phi Phi to Krabi VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $47
- Krabi to Phi Phi Island Scenic Round Trip Ferry Transfer Service: $34
- Phi Phi Island to Phuket Speedboat Transfer: $28
- Phuket Phi phi Maya Bay Khai Island Diving Transfer & Buffet: $89
- Smooth Round Trip Ferry Transfer from Krabi to Phi Phi Island: $38
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $28Koh Phi Phi $22
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 Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.84
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Sit Down Lunch$10
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Casual Lunch$6.45
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Coconut Donut$0.31
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$12
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Sit Down Dinner$15
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Koh Phi Phi $51
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 Hours Private Stone Town City Tour: $50
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$9.21
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Half-Day Phi Phi Tour with Maya Bay By Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $15
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $16
- Phi Phi Half Day Longtail Boat Tour to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $21
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $22
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $23
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $24
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $24
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $32
- Phuket Evening Tour Sunset Viewpoints and Night Market Experience: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Koh Phi Phi $6.37
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$15
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Banana Daiquiri$6.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi 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 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Koh Phi Phi?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Zanzibar during the summer 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 Koh Phi Phi year-round.
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.
In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Koh Phi Phi. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 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.