Which place is cheaper, Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa?
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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa?
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.
Saaremaa
Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.
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 Tallinn, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesSaaremaa Prices
Estonia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Saaremaa $150
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Saaremaa is $150. 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 Saaremaa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Saaremaa $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Saaremaa $84
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Saaremaa
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Saaremaa? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Saaremaa $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $250
- The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $120
- Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $99
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $99
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $99
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Matemwe: $89
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Jambiani: $89
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kendwa: $89
- Private Transfer from Kiwengwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89
- Private Transfer from Michamvi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:
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Rental Car and Gas for a Day$40
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Saaremaa?
Prices for flights to both Saaremaa 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 $30Saaremaa $74
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 Saaremaa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:
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Salmon$1.50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Saaremaa $24
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dolphin tour,See food lunch ,Aquarium ,Nunqwi beach,Sunset cruse: $145
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Mnemba Island, Nungwi Village & Sea Turtle Experience: $160
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $120
- Stone Town Historical tour: $26
- Stone town historical walking tour with Mohamed: $30
- 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $25
- 3h-Zanzibar Archipelago Shared ATV Experience: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Saaremaa $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Saaremaa, we can see that Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Saaremaa?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Saaremaa, 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 Saaremaa?
Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa in the Summer?
Both Saaremaa 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, the summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Saaremaa in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Saaremaa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Saaremaa. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 302 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Saaremaa. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Saaremaa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Saaremaa in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Saaremaa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is much warmer than Saaremaa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Saaremaa averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Saaremaa during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saaremaa. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Saaremaa 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Saaremaa in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Saaremaa. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Saaremaa for the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Saaremaa. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Saaremaa fluctuates around -3°C (27°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 Saaremaa. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saaremaa receives 33 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Saaremaa. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Saaremaa -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Saaremaa in the Spring?
Both Saaremaa 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, many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. Zanzibar is much warmer than Saaremaa in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Saaremaa fluctuates around 4°C (38°F).
Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Saaremaa during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Saaremaa receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Saaremaa. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Saaremaa receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Saaremaa 4°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Saaremaa and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Saaremaa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.