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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Nagano?

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 Nagano 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Zanzibar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Nagano $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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 Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Nagano $9.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • From Mystery Day Safari with Transfer: $500
  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers : $260
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Kiwengwa: $200
  • Safari blue tour with Lunch and Transfers: $180
  • Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
  • Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $141
  • Private Return Transfer From Zanzibar Airport To Paje: $140
  • Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
  • Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Luxury Sedan: $125
  • Ferry Zanzibar :Transfer services: $120
  • Jozani Forest and Spice Farm Tour With Transfer: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

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

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $687

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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
    Nagano $22

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 Traditional Cooking Class: $49
  • An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
  • Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Nagano $8.17

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
  • Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
  • 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
  • 2day Zanzibar adventure: Prison Island & Sandbank (all-incl): $538
  • 3 HOURS PRISON ISLAND TOUR IN ZANZIBAR: $60
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $30
  • 3-Day Selous Game Reserve Safari & Cultural tour with Flight: $1,345
  • 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $26

Tours and Activities in Nagano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nagano.

  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $49
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $88
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $101
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $183
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $556
  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $809
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,381

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.86
    Nagano -

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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Nagano?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Zanzibar is much warmer than Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Nagano. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Nagano. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Nagano. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)