Which place is cheaper, Luxor or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Luxor?
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 Luxor 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 Luxor?
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.
Luxor
Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.
The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.
Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, and The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $52Luxor $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $52, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $17. 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 Luxor in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $25Luxor $7.62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $50Luxor $15
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Luxor
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Luxor? 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 Luxor Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Luxor $3.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport - Hotels Transfer all over the Zanzibar Island: $60
- Airport Pick-up Transfer To any Hotel In Zanzibar: $30
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels : $45
- Airport transfer to/from Nungwi, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, East coat and South: $60
- Airport/Hotel Transfer: $25
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Minivan: $8.33
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
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Taxi Ride$0.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- Hot Air Balloon, Luxor Museum and Mummification with Transfer: $80
- Luxor Airport Transfer : $15
- Luxor airport transfer : $25
- Luxor airport transfer To any place in the East Bank: $12
- Private Transfer From Luxor to Aswan: $73
- Transfers From Luxor To Hurghada : $140
- 4- Hours Private Transfer With Driver In Luxor : $20
- Airport Shuttles private Transfer to your Hotel/ Nile Cruise Boat: $10
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $27
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $21
- Comfortable Private Transfer from Luxor to El Cairo: $273
- Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $6.40
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Luxor?
Prices for flights to both Luxor 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 $17Luxor $5.83
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
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $44
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class : $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $35
- Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
- Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $38
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $43
- Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
- Private Half Day Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner From Luxor: $52
- Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca : $64
- Luxor & Mummification Museums & City Tour by H. Carriage & Dinner: $70
- Enjoy Half Day Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner: $90
- Full day trip west Bank, Dandara and dinner on a boat.: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Luxor $6.74
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 Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar.: $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- The historic walking Tour - Stone Town Zanzibar : $25
- Stonetown City (Walking Tour): $25
- Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Ride (for 2)$0.57
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Temple Karnak for Two$2.74
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Camel Ride for Two$1.26
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ramesseum Mortuary Temple of Ramses II Entry Ticket: $4.56
- Entry Ticket To Valley of the Queens: $4.60
- Valley Of The Queens Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Valley Of The Kings Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Mummification Museum Entry Ticket: $5.10
- Souvenir Shopping Tour, Luxor: $5.13
- Luxor Museum Entry Ticket: $7.60
- See the Valley of the Kings & More: Shared Tour (All-Inclusive): $8.80
- Karnak Temple And Luxor Temple Private Day Tour : $8.95
- Explore Luxor temple and City Private Tour by Flucca: $9.00
- Temple Of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Ticket: $9.20
- Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Entry Tickets : $9.20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.91Luxor $2.26
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Luxor, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Luxor Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Luxor?
Luxor has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Luxor, 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 Luxor?
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 Luxor in the Summer?
Both Luxor and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Luxor. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's very hot in Luxor this time of the year. In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Luxor. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Luxor 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Luxor in the Autumn?
Both Luxor 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Luxor. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Luxor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Luxor in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Luxor. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Luxor. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Luxor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Luxor averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Luxor 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Luxor in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Luxor. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Luxor. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Luxor. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Luxor 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Luxor and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Luxor | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 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.