Which place is cheaper, Port-of-Spain or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zanzibar or Port-of-Spain?
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 Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain?
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.
Port-of-Spain
Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, and The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Port-of-Spain $174
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Port-of-Spain is $174. 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 Port-of-Spain in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Port-of-Spain $80
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Port-of-Spain $160
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Port-of-Spain
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Port-of-Spain? 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 Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Port-of-Spain $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport - Hotels Transfer all over the Zanzibar Island: $60
- Airport Pick-up Transfer To any Hotel In Zanzibar: $30
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport Transfer to Beach Hotel: $65
- Airport Transfer to any hotel in Zanzibar: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels : $45
- Airport/Hotel Transfer: $25
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Port-of-Spain?
Prices for flights to both Port-of-Spain 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 $17Port-of-Spain $54
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 $13Port-of-Spain $59
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Port-of-Spain $22
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 Port-of-Spain, we can see that Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Port-of-Spain would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Port-of-Spain?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Port-of-Spain. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Port-of-Spain, 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 Port-of-Spain?
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 Port-of-Spain in the Summer?
Both Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Port-of-Spain. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Port-of-Spain during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Port-of-Spain in the Autumn?
Both Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain year-round.
Port-of-Spain gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Port-of-Spain. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Port-of-Spain. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 207 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Port-of-Spain averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Port-of-Spain in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Port-of-Spain. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Port-of-Spain. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Port-of-Spain during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 241 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Port-of-Spain in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Port-of-Spain. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Port-of-Spain. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Port-of-Spain. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 238 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Port-of-Spain and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Port-of-Spain | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 252 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 225 mm (8.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 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.