Which place is cheaper, Santorini 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 Santorini?
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 Santorini 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 Santorini?
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.
Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, and The Best Budget Tours to Greece.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesSantorini Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Santorini $294
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Santorini is $294. 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 Santorini in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Santorini $138
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Santorini $276
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Santorini
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Santorini? 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 Santorini Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Santorini $41
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $6,138
- Private Transfers from/to Santorini Port (Athinios) to/from Oia: $108
- Santorini Private Airport Transfer : $29
- Santorini Private Roundtrip Transfer from/to Airport,Port & Hotel: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Santorini?
Prices for flights to both Santorini 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 $30Santorini $113
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Santorini $41
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
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Magical Santorini Highlights Private Tour: $120
- Ferry Tickets between Santorini and Crete Heraklion: $121
- Santorini Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal, Open-Bar & Sunset Views: $155
- Santorini Classic Highlights and Sightseeing Private Tour: $177
- Santorini's Story. Insta and TikTok Experience. Private tour : $203
- Santorini Unlocked: Private Tour with Local Guide & Driver: $203
- Private Oia and Ammoudi Sunset Experience: $203
- Private Santorini Sunset Picnic Experience: $203
- Santorini Private Tour for Wine Enthusiasts: $215
- Santorini Shopping Therapy: Style & Tradition Tour: $215
- Private Experience in Santorini with Guide in Spanish: $269
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Santorini $29
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $90
- Private Wine Tasting-Wine Museum- Snacks: 2, 3 or 4 Wineries: $194
- Private Wine Tour in Santorini - Greece: $203
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Santorini, we can see that Santorini 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 Santorini 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini 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 Santorini Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Santorini?
Santorini has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Santorini, 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.
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.