Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zanzibar or Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
-
Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesRotterdam Prices
Netherlands Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Rotterdam $218
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $218. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Rotterdam $93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Rotterdam $186
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Rotterdam $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Zanzibar Must-see Sights with Lunch and Transfers: $249
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $96
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $96
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
- Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kendwa: $87
- Private Transfer from Kendwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $87
- Private Transfer from Kiwengwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Rotterdam: $10
- Private Direct Transfer From Rotterdam to Vlissingen cruise port: $224
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $267
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport: $183
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $183
- Private Transfer From Cruise Port Rotterdam to Schiphol Airport: $165
- Private Transfer from Cruise Port Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $165
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels: $179
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $179
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $86
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam hotels to IJmuiden Cruise Port: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $28Rotterdam $101
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
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $75
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $99
- Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
- Fully Day Private Tour Spice Tour Cooking Class and Stone town: $130
- Spice Farm with Cooking Class + Lunch and Stone town (City tour): $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
- Mnemba Snorkeling Tour, Secret Garden, Stone Town Tour, Emerson Spice Dinner: $150
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza Cruise: $46
- Rotterdam Food Tour: Taste The Alternative Side Of The City: $79
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Historic Delfshaven: Lunch or Dinner with a Private Chef: $87
- Rotterdam Walking Food Tour with Delicious Tastings: $103
- Food Tour by Bike: $104
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $104
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $128
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $175
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Rotterdam $36
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
- 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- 3inONE, Private Spice, Stone Town & Prison Island Tours: $120
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $68
- 5 HOURS Stone Town Tour Including Pick-up and Drop off: $70
- A Full Day Private Tour To Prison Island + Nakupenda + Stone Town: $150
- A Half Day Private Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour To Mnemba Island: $95
- A Half Day Private Nungwi Village Tour (With Turtles Aquarium): $78
- A Half Day Private Prison Island Tour: $106
- A Half Day Private Stone Town Tour: $85
- A Half Day Private Tour To Jozani Forest: $87
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- Rotterdam 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.47
- Breda Fun Puzzle Quest: True Lord Self-Guided Tour: $5.50
- Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.80
- Risen from Ruins Self Guided Tour of Rotterdam: $6.29
- Rotterdam Self Guided Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $6.96
- Rotterdam Highlights & Spies: Exploration Game & Tour: $7.30
- Windmills and Dutch Ingenuity: A Kinderdijk Audio Walking Tour: $8.99
- Rotterdam Walking Tour with Audio Guide on Your Smartphone: $9.27
- Team Up for a Playful Tour of Rotterdam: $12
- Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gouda: Canals, Colonies, and Cheese: $12
- Rotterdam's Highlights and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- From River to Metropolis: A Rotterdam City Self Guided Audio Tour: $12
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Rotterdam $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Thrilling Pub Crawl In Zanzibar. Visit 3 Unique Bars: $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery 'Noordt' Beer Tasting: $9.31
- Brewery Noordt Tour Including Two Beers: $20
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $26
- The Ultimate Rotterdam Bar Crawl Experience: $41
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $52
- Ludwig's Private Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $576
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam 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. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Rotterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Rotterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Rotterdam. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Rotterdam. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Rotterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rotterdam during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.