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

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.

Which place is cheaper, Moscow or Zanzibar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $53, while the average daily cost in Moscow is $65. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $25
    Moscow $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $50
    Moscow $82
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.

Hotels in Zanzibar


Hotels in Moscow


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 $12
    Moscow $6.33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Transfer from the airport to your Hotel or House: $75
  • Stone Town to Airport Private Transfer: $23
  • Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $109
  • Airport to Stone Town Private Transfer: $22
  • Airport to Hotel Transfer: $62
  • Airport Transfers: $22
  • Airport Transfer: $23
  • Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
  • Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
  • Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $73
  • Zanzibar Riu Jambo To the Airport Transfer: $49
  • Zanzibar Private Transfer from Michamvi Beach to the Airport: $44

Typical Local Transportation prices in Moscow

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:


  • Two Metro Passes
    $1.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow

Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
  • Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
  • Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Duku to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
  • Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Bandar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Kampung Dalam to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
  • Private Transfer from Karya Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zanzibar $17
    Moscow $15

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
  • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $35
  • Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
  • Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
  • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $50
  • Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $52
  • Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
  • 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
  • Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60

Typical Food prices in Moscow

For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    $6.16
  • Lunch in the Center Market
    $3.36
  • Breakfast for 2
    $11

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Moscow $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
  • City Tour in Zanzibar : $33
  • Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
  • Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
  • Half-Day Walking Tour in Zanzibar City's Spice Island: $63
  • Private Maalum Cave, Spice Farm and Stone Town City Day Tour: $148
  • Sea Turtles Tour ( Nungwi Aquarium): $40
  • Spice Farm & Prison Island Tour in Zanzibar: $87
  • Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
  • Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $130
  • Stonetown Private Half-day Walking tour: $35
  • 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of 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:


  • Theater Tickets
    $13
  • 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-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour in Bengkulu: $143
  • 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Romantic Tour in Bengkulu: $436

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $7.14
    Moscow $8.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:

  • Thrilling Pub Crawl In Zanzibar. Visit 3 Unique Bars: $26


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.

Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Moscow?

Moscow is bigger, and its population is about 25.7 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the population of Zanzibar vs. 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 and the activities 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 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.
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Zanzibar vs. Moscow Travel Comparison

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