Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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 Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Brazil, and The Best Luxury Tours to Brazil.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Rio de Janeiro $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $118. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Rio de Janeiro $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Rio de Janeiro $130
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Rio de Janeiro $7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa Transfer inclus: $68
- AirPort & Sea Ferry Transfer Zone: $47
- Airport Taxi and Hotel Transfer Service in Zanzibar: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport transfer to Nugwi, Paje and Kiwengwa Hotels: $45
- Airport transfers in Zanzibar: $40
- Airport/port Transfer: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Kendwa Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Dolphin Snorkeling and Pungume Island with Lunch and Transfer: $89
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $107
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $107
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $130
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro: $145
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $145
- Arrival Private Transfer Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port to Zona Sul: $64
- Arrival Transfer Rio Santos Dumont Airport SDU to Costa do Sol: $157
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Car: $107
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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 $28Rio de Janeiro $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $50
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Cooking Class Tour: $75
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
- Zanzibar Spice and Night Market Cooking and Street Food Tour: $80
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $97
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $107
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.58
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Corn on the Cob$0.77
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Hamburger$0.96
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Rio de Janeiro Market Food Tour and Local Tasting Experience: $69
- Guided Dinner in Rio at a Restaurant of Your Choice: $70
- Rio de Janeiro Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $79
- Rio: Copacabana Food Tour with 7 Tastings and Local Flavors: $81
- Roxy Dinner Show: That Embrace Show: $81
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $85
- Rio Roots Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Cooking Class in Rio with 9 Recipes & Unlimited Caipirinhas: $95
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $105
- Ginga Tropical Folklore Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $107
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Rio de Janeiro $21
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Podcast Tour Zanzibar City The Black Gold and the Broken Chains: $5.48
- Private Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Tour: $14
- Zanzibar Private Spice Farm Tour With Optional Lunch: $17
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town Private Tour in Zanzibar: $17
- Stone Town tour: $18
- Stone Town Guided Walking Tour: Shopping, Culture & History: $18
- Zanzibar Stone Town Private Walking Tour With Old Slave Market: $18
- Stone Town Hidden Gems: Historical Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20
- Stone Town Walking Tour Explore Zanzibar's Historical Heart: $20
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Traditional Drums and Fruits: $20
- Zanzibar Spice Tour to Mussa Village: $20
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Discover A Guided Tour: $1.12
- Ipanema Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.11
- Rio de Janeiro Urca Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.12
- Salvador Pelourinho Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.12
- Self Guided Podcast Tour The Soul of Rio: $5.47
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $6.72
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $6.72
- Rio de Janeiro Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h00 and 24 reviews: $7.48
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $12
- Electric Bike Tour: $16
- Authentic Rocinha Favela Walking Experience with a Local Guide: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Lapa by Night: Samba, Cachaça & The Ultimate Rio Pub Crawl: $30
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $47
- Rio Pub Crawl with Caipirinhas & Bar Bites: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $182
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro is in South 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 Rio de Janeiro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 25°C (77°F)in April.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Rio de Janeiroin July. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Rio de Janeiro. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in October.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.