Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zanzibar or Phoenix?
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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Phoenix $238
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Phoenix $144
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Phoenix $39
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
- 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
- Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
- Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Private Transfer From Hotels To Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport PHX : $41
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 dayZanzibar $17Phoenix $52
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
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
-
Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
-
Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Phoenix $40
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 Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting Entry Ticket: $17
- Private Asylum Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
- Private Speakeasy Escape Room Experience in Avondale: $24
- The Scottsdale Selfie Experience: $25
- Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $26
- RoRo Street Art Tour in Phoenix: $27
- Tempe Puzzling Adventure: $35
- Phoenix Zoo Admission Ticket: $38
- Phoenix Zoo: One Day General Admission Ticket: $38
- Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour : $39
- Phoenix History, Mystery and Ghost Hunting Tour: $39
- Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Game Ticket: $40
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Phoenix $17
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix is in North America, 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
Phoenix 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 Phoenix in the Summer?
Both Phoenix 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 and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.
The heat can be very extreme in Phoenix. Zanzibar is cooler than Phoenix in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).
In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Phoenix in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Phoenix. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Phoenix averages at about 79°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Phoenix in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Phoenix. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Phoenix in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Phoenix in the Spring?
Both Phoenix and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Phoenix in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
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.