A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zanzibar vs. Split for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zanzibar or Split?

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 Split 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 Split?

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.

Split

Split is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Split is $228. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Split $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Split $196
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Split

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Split? 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.

Hotels in Zanzibar


Hotels in Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Split $27

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 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
  • Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Nungwi Beach to the Airport: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Private Transfer to Split: $39
  • Airport Transfer from Split: $45
  • Airport Transfer to Split: $45
  • Airport transfers, Locco transfers, Port transfers: $93
  • CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer Split Airport to Split City: $62
  • Cetina River Rafting Tour with Transfer from Split: $76
  • Cruise Port of Split to Split Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • From Split Airport to Baska Voda (Private Transfer, Free WiFi): $176
  • From Split or Trogir: Cetina River Rafting with Transfer: $93
  • From Split or Trogir: Cetina River Rafting with Transfer: $94
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Dubrovnik: $491
  • From Zagreb Transfer & Plitvice Lakes Tour: $162

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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 day
    Zanzibar $28
    Split $108

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
  • 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
  • Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Split’s Ultimate Walking Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks: $67
  • Small Group Food Tour with Private Option: $104
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite at a Time: $140
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $142
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $206
  • Vegan Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Split: $206
  • Cooking class on island Brac: $258

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Split $13

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 Prison Island Tour: $106
  • A Half Day Private Tour To Spice Farm: $80
  • A Half Day Private Tour to Spice Farm: $80
  • A Half Day Quad Bike Village Tour: $130

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Split Quest Experience: Discover the City: $5.90
  • Split self guided walking tour through history: $5.90
  • Split Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.42
  • Discover Split Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Entry Ticket to Selfie Experience Museum: $13
  • Klis Fortress Sunset Tour & Game of Thrones Views: $13
  • Klis Fortress & Olive Museum Tour with GOT Sites: $14
  • Walking Tour of UNESCO Diocletian Palace & Old Town: $14
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Hajduk Poljud Stadium Tour with Trophy Room Entry: $14
  • A Journalist's Guide to A GPS Audio Tour: $15
  • Diocletian's Palace Virtual Reality Experience: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.75
    Split $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Split Pub Crawl: Nightlife, Shots & Club Entry: $14
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $18
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $53
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $53
  • Dalmatian wine tasting by Bottiglia wine & deli: $53
  • From Krka Waterfalls day tour & wine tasting: $55
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $55
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $55
  • Olive Oil and Wine Tasting with Snacks: $57
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $64
  • Krka Waterfalls & Wine Tasting – Small group tour from Split: $94
  • Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Split, we can see that Split 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 Split 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 Split would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Split 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 Split Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Split?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Split, 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 Split?

Split 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 Split in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Split. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Split. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in July than Split. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Split in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Zanzibar is a little warmer than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Split during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Split. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Split in the Winter?

Both Split 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Split. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Split. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Split. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Split. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Split. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)