Which place is cheaper, Moscow or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Moscow?
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 Moscow 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 Moscow?
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.
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, and The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $52Moscow $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $52, while the average daily cost in Moscow is $62. 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 Moscow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $25Moscow $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $50Moscow $78
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Moscow
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Moscow? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Moscow $6.06
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $141
- Stone Town to Airport Private Transfer: $23
- Splash Transfer: $60
- Safari blue tour with Lunch and Transfers: $180
- Private Airport Transfer: $50
- Jozani Forest and Spice Farm Tour With Transfer: $110
- Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $109
- Baraka Turtle Aquarium Tour with Hotel Transfers: $80
- Airport_Hotel and Destination Transfer Service: $29
- Airport/Port&Hotel transfer service: $58
- Airport to Stone Town Private Transfer: $22
- Airport to Hotel Transfer: $62
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $167
- Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $92
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $67
- Private Transfer from Kota Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Limbungan Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Moscow?
Prices for flights to both Moscow 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 $17Moscow $14
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
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Moscow $16
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Half-Day Walking Tour in Zanzibar City's Spice Island: $63
- Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $130
- Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour: $35
- Zanzibar Spice Tour : $47
- 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
- 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 2day Zanzibar adventure: Prison Island & Sandbank (all-incl): $532
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.91Moscow $7.79
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 Moscow, we can see that Moscow 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 Moscow 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 Moscow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Moscow 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 Moscow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Moscow?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Moscow, 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 Moscow?
Moscow 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 Moscow in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Moscow. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Moscow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Moscow averages at about 19°C (67°F).
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Moscow. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Moscow 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Moscow in the Autumn?
Both Moscow and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Moscow. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Moscow fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Moscow. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Moscow 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Moscow in the Winter?
Both Moscow 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.
Moscow can be very cold during winter. Zanzibar is much warmer than Moscow in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Moscow fluctuates around -8°C (17°F).
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Moscow. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Moscow -8°C (17°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Moscow in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Moscow. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Moscow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Moscow averages at about 7°C (45°F).
Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Moscow. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Moscow receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Moscow 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Moscow and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Moscow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 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.