Which place is cheaper, Oslo or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Oslo?
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 Oslo 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 Oslo?
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.
Oslo
Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Oslo $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Oslo is $137. 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 Oslo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Oslo $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Oslo $162
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Oslo
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Oslo? 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 Oslo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Oslo $23
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
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Private Transfer from Abeid Amani Karume Airport to Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $20
- Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $21
- Zanzibar Airport transfers and Taxi services: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
- Airport Transfers: $22
- Zanzibar Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:
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Tram Ticket$6.61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:
- Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $132
- Arrival Private Transfer Oslo OSL Airport to Oslo by Business Car: $115
- Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $155
- Departure Private Transfer from Oslo to Oslo Airport OSL by Business Car: $114
- Olso: Private Transfer from the City Center to Oslo Airport: $108
- Oslo Airport (OSL) to Oslo Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $179
- Oslo Airport (OSL): Private Transfer to Oslo Cruise Port: $489
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Car: $149
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City in Business Van: $229
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Car: $147
- Oslo Airport Transfers : Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL in Business Van: $238
- Oslo City Center to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Oslo?
Prices for flights to both Oslo 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 $17Oslo $30
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Oslo.
- Oslofjord Cruise with Seafood Dinner: $59
- Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour: $73
- Christmas Street Food Tour with Akevitt and Christmas beer : $111
- 3-course Dinner Cruise in the Oslofjord: $119
- Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Oslo $19
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
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone town walking tour ( City tour): $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour & Exotic Fruit Lunch: $25
- Stonetown City (Walking Tour): $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Private Stone Town City Tour Zanzibar : $25
Tours and Activities in Oslo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Explore Oslo with Passionate Tour Guides: $3.23
- Guided Walking Tour in Central Oslo: $4.45
- Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Tour a Pie en Oslo en Español: $7.41
- Downtown Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- An Oslo Waterfront Stroll: Self-paced Audio Tour: $7.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Akershus to Kongen Marina Waterfront: $7.99
- Oslo Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $8.07
- Discover Oslo's Heart: Audio Tour Through Time and Beauty: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Fram Museum Admission Ticket: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Oslo $11
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 Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Oslo?
Oslo has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Oslo, 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 Oslo?
Oslo 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 Oslo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Oslo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Oslo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Oslo averages at about 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Oslo. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Oslo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Oslo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Oslo. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Oslo fluctuates around 7°C (45°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 Oslo. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Oslo 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Oslo in the Winter?
Both Oslo and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Oslo. Zanzibar is much warmer than Oslo in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Oslo. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Oslo -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Oslo in the Spring?
Both Oslo 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Oslo in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Oslo averages at about 6°C (42°F).
In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Oslo. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Oslo 6°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Oslo and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Oslo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.