Which place is cheaper, San Jose 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 San Jose?
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 San Jose 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 San Jose?
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.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
-
Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesSan Jose Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62San Jose $113
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $113. 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 San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24San Jose $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48San Jose $108
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or San Jose? 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 San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11San Jose $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Nungwi: $65
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kiwengwa: $65
- Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kendwa: $65
- Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
- Zanzibar VIP Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Zanzibar Tour in Secret Beach, Kuza Cave and Jozani with transfer: $120
- Zanzibar Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
- Zanzibar Sea Fishing Boat Tour experience with Transfer: $85
- Zanzibar Quad Adventures from Nungwi or Kendwa & Hotel Transfer: $95
- Zanzibar Private Transfer – From Airport to Any Hotel: $50
- Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $88
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
-
Taxi from SJO$28
-
Local Bus$3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport transfer from SJO Airport to Los Sueños Marriott: $185
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to Arenal by Minivan: $201
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport SJO to San Jose City by Minivan: $50
- Arrival Transfer San Jose Airport to Manuel Antonio by Minivan: $182
- Costa Rica San Jose Airport (SJO) Private Transfer to San Jose: $42
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Cahuita, English Speaking Driver: $259
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Limon, English Speaking Driver: $208
- Direct Transfer From San Jose to Monteverde, English Speaking Driver: $195
- Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to San Jose – Private Transfer: $58
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Jaco - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $283
- Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) to San Jose - Private Transfer: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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 $28San Jose $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $50
- Private Zanzibar Spices Tour with Traditional Swahili Cooking Lesson: $55
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- Cooking Class Tour: $90
- A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $107
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
- Zanzibar Full-Day Tour Jozani Forest and Swahili Cooking Class: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets: $35
- Street Food Tour in San Jose with a Local Guide: $35
- San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $49
- Tropical Cooking Classes: $52
- San José Market-to-Table Tour: Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $58
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $80
- San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Dinner + Typical dance show at the best viewpoint in San José: $92
- City Tour and Dinner at the Best Lookout in San Jose: $149
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $185
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13San Jose $23
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
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $20
- 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island: $25
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $135
- 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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self Guided Audio Walking Tour of San Jose Highlights: $5.50
- Guided Tour of Alajuela: $20
- Hiking Experience in El Quetzal Private Reserve: $26
- San Jose Birdwatching Nature and Cultural Experience: $28
- Private Guided Tour of Cheese in Canaan de Rivas: $30
- Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour: $31
- Poas Volcano National Park - Admission Ticket: $32
- San Jose Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $34
- San Jose ART Walking Tour - small groups, creative experience: $35
- Sarapiqui Rainforest Night Walk : Wildlife & Adventure.: $35
- Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket: $35
- San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75San Jose $18
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- San Jose Exclusive Bar Crawl with Drinks and Club Entrys: $28
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $95
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and San Jose, we can see that San Jose 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 San Jose is in Central 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 San Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose 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 San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or San Jose?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and San Jose, 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 San Jose?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Zanzibar or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as San Jose. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than San Jose. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Zanzibar is cooler than San Jose. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and San Jose averages at about 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in San Jose is December to April. May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than San Jose. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as San Jose. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Zanzibar during the winter 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 San Jose year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than San Jose. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as San Jose in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and San Jose. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in San Jose is the dry season. May to November in San Jose is the hurricane season. Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than San Jose. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and San Jose averages at about 29°C (85°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.