Which place is cheaper, Phuket or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Phuket?
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 Phuket 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 Phuket?
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.
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 Thailand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesPhuket Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Phuket $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Phuket is $139. 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 Phuket in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Phuket $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Phuket $128
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Phuket
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Phuket? 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 Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Phuket $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar : $25
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Arrivals: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $250
- Discover Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant W/ Transfer – Zanzibar: $50
- Explore Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant with Transfer – Zanzibar: $50
- Guided Tour of Stone Town's Historic Sites + Transfer – Zanzibar: $20
- Half Day Zanzibar City Tour with Airport Transfer: $30
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $80
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $133
- Airport Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $118
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $114
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $43
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $130
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer : $42
- Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer : $127
- Departure Private Airport Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport: $43
- Departure Transfer: Phuket to Phuket Airport HKT by Business Car: $118
- Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms With Lunch & Transfer RoundTrips: $123
- Freedom Party Boat Cruise By HYPE Boat Club Phuket - Include Pickup Transfer: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Phuket?
Prices for flights to both Phuket 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 $30Phuket $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
- Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- One Day Experience Cooking at Phuket Patong Thailand: $28
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Phuket Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $55
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $57
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $58
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Phuket City Tour with Phothong Ride and Cooking Class: $59
- Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour: $61
- Choose Your Own Dishes: Half-Day Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Phuket $49
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Zanzibar Organic Spice Farm Tour: $13
- Zanzibar : Stone Town Tour,history without transport: $14
- Spice Tour Zanzibar : $15
- Zanzibar stonetown walking tour with local guide: $18
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
- Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- City tours zanzibar : $20
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
- Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $7.90
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket City Tour with Pickup Option: $15
- Feed Me Banana Elephant Experience Short Activity : $16
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $16
- Phuket Bird Park Admission Ticket: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
- Exclusive Jurassic Mini-Golf Ticket at Dino Park Phuket: $23
- Patong Beach Water Sports Adventure from Phuket: $24
- Athena Cabaret Show Admission Ticket in Phuket: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Phuket $7.32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
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Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $111
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Phuket, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Phuket?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Phuket, 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 Phuket?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Phuket in the Summer?
Both Phuket and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Phuket. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Phuket. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Phuket during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Phuket. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Phuket in the Autumn?
Both Phuket and Zanzibar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Phuket. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Phuket. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 181 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Phuket in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Phuket fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Phuket 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Phuket in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Phuket. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Phuket is the dry season. In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Phuket. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Phuket during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Phuket receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Phuket. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Phuket averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Phuket 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Phuket in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Phuket. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Phuket. Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Phuket. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Phuket receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Phuket. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phuket receives 249 hours of full sun.
In April, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Phuket. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Phuket fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Phuket 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Phuket and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Phuket | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.