Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?
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 Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo?
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.
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Sao Paulo $60
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $60. 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 Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Sao Paulo $28
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Sao Paulo $56
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Sao Paulo? 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 Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Sao Paulo $5.76
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 Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Sao Paulo Private Transfer: $79
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $143
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $176
- Arrived in Guarulhos or Congonhas? Your Transfer is Ready: $90
- Private Arrival Transfer | Congonhas Airport (CGH) x São Paulo City: $95
- Private Arrival Transfer: Congonhas Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guarulhos International Airport to São Paulo Hotels: $47
- Private Departure Transfer: São Paulo Hotels to Congonhas Airport: $39
- Private Transfer from Alphaville to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $125
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $229
- Private Transfer from Guarulhos to Santos: $80
- Private Transfer from Morumbi to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo 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 $30Sao Paulo $24
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Make 9 Brazilian Faves in a 4-Hour Cooking Workshop in Sao Paulo: $85
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Sao Paulo $3.89
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 Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Sao Paulo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Downtown-Center History Walking Tour - in English: $31
- São Paulo: 2 Hour Immersion Waling Tour in Paulista Avenue: $34
- São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $48
- Boat Trip Billings Dam and Experience Bororé Island: $50
- São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour - In English: $55
- Sao Paulo, Pinheiros - Food & Graffiti Tour - In English: $65
- São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $66
- City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $68
- Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
- Shared tour of the tourist attractions of São Paulo: $77
- São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group): $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Sao Paulo $3.38
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $192
When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Sao Paulo, we can see that Zanzibar is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Sao Paulo is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Sao Paulo, 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 Sao Paulo?
Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the Summer?
Both Sao Paulo 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sao Paulo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
Sao Paulo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Sao Paulo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Sao Paulo. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
Both Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo in the spring for the activities around the city.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin October. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Sao Paulo is October to March.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.