Which place is cheaper, Luxor 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 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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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesLuxor Prices
Egypt Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Luxor $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $30. 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 $24Luxor $10
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Luxor $20
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 $5.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus: $68
- Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar (24/7): $29
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels: $45
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Mercedes-Benz: $300
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: $220
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$0.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- 4- Hours Private Transfer With Driver In Luxor: $20
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $20
- Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $27
- Cairo Airport Private Transfer: $31
- Day Tour to East and West Bank with Transfer to Aswan or Hurghada: $105
- Dendara & Abydos with return - Private transfer from Luxor: $50
- Dendera & Karnak VIP Tour with Transfer, Guide & Ticket Options: $250
- Exclusive Luxor To Cairo or Cairo 2 luxor Transfer Relax In Style: $120
- From Luxor To Hurghada Private Transfer One Way Transport: $145
- Full day transfer Luxor-Aswan over Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo: $110
- Guided tour-transfer Luxor to Aswan over Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo: $155
- Hassle-free Private Transfers from Luxor to Hurghada: $60
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 $28Luxor $15
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
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Cooking Class Tour: $75
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
- Zanzibar Spice and Night Market Cooking and Street Food Tour: $80
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $97
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
- half day tours spice Farm with Cooking Class: $130
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Luxury Nile Sunset Felucca Sail | Private Dinner - Hotel Transfer: $20
- Luxor West Bank By Night and Alabaster Museum Tour with Dinner: $30
- Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
- 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
- Nile River Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Luxor (private Tour): $44
- Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
- Experience Egyptian cooking at Luxor Farm: $48
- Private Luxor Temple Night Tour with Sunset Felucca & Dinner: $55
- 3-Hour Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $65
- Felucca at Sunset and Dinner at an Egyptian House in Luxor: $75
- Luxor East Bank Private Experience with Authentic Cooking Class: $80
- Romantic Nile Felucca Dinner Experience in Luxor: $86
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Luxor $9.47
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Safari Blue island of Kwale Adventure: $8.00
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $14
- Zanzibar Private Spice Farm Tour With Optional Lunch: $17
- Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $17
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20
- Stone Town Walking Tour in Zanzibar with local guide Mohamed,: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour: $20
- City tours zanzibar: $20
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)$0.52
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Temple Karnak for Two$2.49
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Camel Ride for Two$1.15
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahabiya Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan: $5.00
- Medinet Habu Temple QR Code Entry Ticket: $6.50
- Private Luxor Tour: Queens Valley, Medinet Habu & Deir el-Medina: $8.40
- Half Day Tour: Valley of the kings & Hatshepsut Temple and Memnon: $9.00
- Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Private Day Tour: $9.00
- Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show Experience in Luxor: $9.00
- VIP Private Nile Motorboat Experience in Luxor: $9.00
- Tour in the East Bank of Luxor: $9.00
- Half Day Tour:Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut TempIe, VaIIey Queens: $9.90
- Half-Day Luxor Tour: Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut & Memnon: $9.90
- Private Half Day Luxor Tour Valley of Kings & Queens, Hatshepsut: $9.96
- East Luxor Guided Bike Experience with Drinks & Photos: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Luxor $2.83
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.