A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zanzibar vs. Minsk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zanzibar or Minsk?

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 Minsk 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 Minsk?

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.

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, and The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania.


Which place is cheaper, Minsk or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $52, while the average daily cost in Minsk is $64. 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 Minsk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $25
    Minsk $32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $50
    Minsk $64
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Minsk

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Minsk? 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.

Hotels in Zanzibar


Hotels in Minsk


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Minsk $12

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
  • Zanzibar Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
  • Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
  • Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $21
  • Private Zanzibar Airport Transfers to and from any Hotel: $22
  • Airport Transfers: $22
  • Airport to Stone Town Private Transfer: $22
  • Stone Town to Airport Private Transfer: $23
  • Airport /Hotel Transfers: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Minsk?

Prices for flights to both Minsk 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zanzibar $17
    Minsk $21

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 Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
  • Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $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
  • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
  • Cooking Class Tour: $77
  • Cooking Lesson and Spice farm tour: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Minsk $20

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
  • Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
  • Stone Town tour: $20
  • Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
  • Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
  • Stonetown City (Walking Tour): $25
  • Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
  • Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $25
  • Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
  • The historic walking Tour - Stone Town Zanzibar : $25
  • Spice Farm Tour with Lunch & Tropical Fruits: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.91
    Minsk $14

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 Minsk, we can see that Minsk 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 Minsk is in Europe, 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 Minsk would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Minsk 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 Minsk Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Minsk?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Minsk, 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 Minsk?

Minsk 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 Minsk in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Minsk. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round.

In July, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Minsk. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Minsk fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minsk this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Minsk during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Minsk receives 258 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Minsk. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Minsk receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Minsk 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Minsk in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Minsk. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Zanzibar is much warmer than Minsk in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Minsk fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Minsk. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minsk receives 99 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Minsk. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Minsk receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Minsk 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Minsk in the Winter?

Both Minsk and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Minsk. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Minsk. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Minsk averages at about -5°C (22°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Minsk during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Minsk receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Minsk. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Minsk receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Minsk -5°C (22°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Minsk in the Spring?

Both Minsk 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.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Minsk. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Minsk fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Minsk. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minsk receives 176 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Minsk. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Minsk receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Minsk 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Minsk and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Minsk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)