Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Shanghai?
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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai?
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.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
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 Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $52Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $52, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $115. 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 Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $25Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $50Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Shanghai? 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 $11Shanghai $3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar Island: Transfers: $6.00
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Minivan: $8.33
- Zanzibar transfer and taxi services: $15
- Private Transfer from Abeid Amani Karume Airport to Zanzibar: $19
- Zanzibar Airport Transfer ( Tax) To Stone Town: $19
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Zanzibar Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Stone Town Hotels to the Airport: $20
- Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $20
- Private Zanzibar Airport Transfers to and from any Hotel: $22
- Airport to Stone Town Private Transfer: $22
- Airport Transfers: $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport & Hongqiao Airport : $45
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to City Center : $30
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- 3-hour Private Transfer to Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show from City Center: $53
- Arrival Private Transfer Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai City by Standard Sedan: $74
- Arrival Private Transfer: Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai in Business Car : $112
- Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel: $79
- Chauffeur service, Limousine airport transfer in Shanghai-English speaking: $51
- Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $112
- Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
- Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
- Flexible Hours of Shanghai Layover and Transfer Tour with Driver Only: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 $17Shanghai $21
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 Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Traditional Zanzibar Cooking Class including Spice Tour: $68
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.19
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.15
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Eat Like A Local: Shanghai Night Food Tour: $90
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Shanghai $8.44
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Africa's Paradises Full Sightseeing Package Tours: $15
- Zanzibar Stone Town Historical City Tour: $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Stone Town Tour in Zanzibar.: $23
- Stone Town Tour without transport: $24
- Stone Town Private Walking Tour: $25
- Stonetown City (Walking Tour): $25
- Zanzibar Tours & Taxi Services : $25
- Stone Town Walking Tour: $25
- Private Guided Stone Town Tour of Zanzibar: $25
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $14
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port to Hongqiao Airport:Private with Meet service: $40
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Haipai Culture Tour｜Shanghai's Past, Present & Future On One Road: $43
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.91Shanghai $7.36
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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 Shanghai is in Asia, 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?
Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Shanghai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Shanghai. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Shanghai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Shanghai. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Shanghai in the Winter?
Both Shanghai and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Shanghai can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Shanghai in the Spring?
Both Shanghai and Zanzibar during the spring 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 spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the spring, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Shanghai. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.