Which place is cheaper, Manaus 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 Manaus?
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 Manaus 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 Manaus?
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.
Manaus
Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesManaus Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Manaus $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Manaus is $66. 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 Manaus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Manaus $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Manaus $82
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Manaus
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Manaus? 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 Manaus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Manaus $7.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kiwengwa: $65
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kendwa: $65
- Jozani Forest Guided Tour, Red Colobus and transfer: $67
- Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
- Zanzibar taxi service/airport transfer: $60
- Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
- Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $56
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $40
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $44
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Nungwi Beach to the Airport: $44
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Nungwi Beach to the Airport: $40
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Michamvi Beach to the Airport: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) -Departure Private Transfer: $55
- 24-hour Hotel Transfer to Manaus Airport: $16
- 24-hour transfer from airport to hotel in Manaus: $17
- 24h Private Transfer Service Hotel to Manaus Airport: $23
- Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $60
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $109
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $71
- Privado Transfer Aeroporto to Hotel Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge: $171
- Private Transfer Group 24h Hotel to Airport in Manaus: $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Manaus?
Prices for flights to both Manaus 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 $30Manaus $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
- Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Manaus -
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dolphin tour,See food lunch ,Aquarium ,Nunqwi beach,Sunset cruse: $145
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Mnemba Island, Nungwi Village & Sea Turtle Experience: $160
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $120
- Stone Town Historical tour: $26
- Stone town historical walking tour with Mohamed: $30
- 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $25
- 3h-Zanzibar Archipelago Shared ATV Experience: $79
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Manaus Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
- Walking Tours in Manaus: $36
- MUSA and INPA Museums with Observation Tower Tour: $50
- Half-Day City Tour: $54
- Full-Day Tour on the Amazon River: $55
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $55
- Manaus City Tour e Musa: $60
- Manaus Sightseeing Tour: $64
- Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour with Lunch: $65
- Solimoes River Piranha Fishing and Alligator Watching Tour: $66
- Full-Day Package Tour in Presidente Figueiredo : $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Manaus $2.72
When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Manaus, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Manaus is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Manaus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Manaus?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Manaus, 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 Manaus?
Manaus 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 Manaus in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Manaus. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Manausin January. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Manausin January. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 114 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Manaus. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Manausin January. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Manaus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Manaus in the Autumn?
Both Manaus and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Manaus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 112 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manaus. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Manausin April. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Manaus in the Winter?
Both Manaus and Zanzibar during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Manaus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Manaus averages at about 28°C (82°F)in July.
In Manaus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Manausin July. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 214 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Manausin July. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Manaus in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Manaus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round.
In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Manausin October. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Manaus during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.
Manaus receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Manausin October. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Manaus 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manaus and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Manaus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 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.