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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesSao Paulo Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Sao Paulo $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $61. 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 $24Sao Paulo $29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Sao Paulo $58
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 $11Sao Paulo $5.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers: $259
- Zanzibar Must-see Sights with Lunch and Transfers: $249
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: $220
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- Zanzibar Golf Adventure in Paradise with Hotel Transfer: $148
- Safari Blue Zanzibar - Seafood Lunch, Sandbank & Hotel Transfer: $145
- Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $121
- Zanzibar Tour in Secret Beach, Kuza Cave and Jozani with transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $95
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $95
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $144
- Airport Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $168
- Airport and City Private Executive Transfer in São Paulo: $100
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Praia/Santos hotels - Arrival Transfer: $203
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $117
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $234
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $125
- Departure Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Business Car: $144
- Departure Transfer: Sao Paulo to Airport GRU by Luxury Van: $168
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Guarulhos Airport GRU to Águas de Lindoia Round Trip Transfer: $202
- Guarulhos Airport to Poços de Caldas Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $273
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 $28Sao Paulo $25
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
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Cooking Class Tour: $75
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
- Zanzibar Spice and Night Market Cooking and Street Food Tour: $80
- A private half day spice farm with a cooking lesson: $90
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:
- Street Food Tour in São Paulo with a Local Guide: $71
- Paulista Plates São Paulo Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $89
- 4h Cooking Class in São Paulo with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $89
- São Suppers Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $95
- São Paulo: Liberdade Food Tour with 6 Tastings and Tonkatsu: $110
- Dinner at Terraço Italia Restaurant in São Paulo: $227
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Sao Paulo $3.98
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 Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island: $26
- 5 HOURS Stone Town Tour Including Pick-up and Drop off: $70
- 8 Days Zanzibar Discovery Adventure: $220
- A Full Day Safari Blue Tour And Blue Lagoon: $140
- 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 Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- São Paulo Ibirapuera Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.04
- Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $16
- Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Sao Paulo: $20
- Brazil Tropical Fruit Experience in São Paulo: $22
- Ladies Nightlife Tour with Drinks at Hidden Bars: $28
- Downtown-Center History Walking Tour: $28
- São Paulo Must-see Attractions Walking Tour with a Guide: $29
- São Paulo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- São Paulo Highlights Walking Tour with a Guide: $40
- Personal aromatic experience in São Paulo: $41
- MASP Museum of Art of São Paulo (+ticket): $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Sao Paulo $3.46
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Pub Crawl in São Paulo: Open Bar + Free Appetizers at Bars: $30
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $59
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
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.