Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Tangier?
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 Tangier 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 Tangier?
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.
Tangier
Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.
After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.
In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $52Tangier $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $52, while the average daily cost in Tangier 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 Tangier in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $25Tangier $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $50Tangier $46
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Tangier
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Tangier? 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 Tangier Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Tangier $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- From Mystery Day Safari with Transfer: $500
- Safari blue tour with Lunch and Transfers: $180
- Prison Island: Private Half Day Trip With Hotel Transfer: $160
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
- Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $141
- Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Ferry Zanzibar :Transfer services: $120
- Jozani Forest and Spice Farm Tour With Transfer: $110
- Airport Arrival And Departure Private Transfer.: $110
- Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $109
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Arrival Transfers.: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier
Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Tangier Airport to Chefchaouen: $87
- "Fez to Marrakech: Enjoy a Private Transfer for a Smooth Journey": $205
- Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $26
- Casablanca Airport Arrival To Tanger Private Transfer: $216
- Door to door transfer from Tangier to Fes: $291
- From Fes: Transfer to Tangier passing by Chefchaouen: $96
- From Tangier : Private Luxury Transfer to Fes: $272
- From Transfer to Fez via Chefchaouen and Volubilis: $245
- Luxury transfer from Tangier to Tamuda bay or vice versa: $233
- One Way transfer from Fes to Tanger passing by chefchaouen: $82
- One-Way Transfer from Tanger to Fez: $154
- One-way Luxury Tangier Airport or Port Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Tangier?
Prices for flights to both Tangier 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 $17Tangier $20
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
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $44
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $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
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class : $75
Typical Food Prices in Tangier
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:
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Fruit & Yogurt$1.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier
For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
- Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
- Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
- Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
- Tangier food tour : $71
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
- Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
- Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
- Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
- The Food tour of Tangier: $76
- Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Tangier $20
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
- Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour: $35
- Zanzibar Spice Tour : $47
- 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 2day Zanzibar adventure: Prison Island & Sandbank (all-incl): $535
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $30
- 3-Day Selous Game Reserve Safari & Cultural tour with Flight: $1,345
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $33
- 3h Stonetown walking tour (zanzibar): $30
- 3inONE, Private Spice, Stone Town & Prison Island Tours: $155
- 5-Hour Mangapwani Historical Cave Tour in Zanzibar: $69
Tours and Activities in Tangier
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tangier.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: $14
- Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $14
- From Marrakesh: Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $17
- Tangier Stroll: Public Guided Tour: $17
- Tangier walking tour: $17
- Tangier Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $25
- Tangier Private Walking Tour: $26
- Tangier Guided Walking Experience: $26
- Touristic guide: $28
- Walking Tour Tangier Medina: $31
- 3 Hours Tangier walking Tour in Old Medina,Kasbah & berber market: $31
- Tangier Highlights Tour: Exploring the Cultural Gems: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.91Tangier $11
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Tangier, we can see that Tangier is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tangier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tangier 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 Tangier Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Tangier?
Tangier has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Tangier, 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 Tangier?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Tangier in the Summer?
Both Tangier 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in July than Tangier. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Tangier averages at about 24°C (74°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Tangier 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Tangier in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Tangier. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tangier. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Tangier during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Tangier. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Tangier 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Tangier in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Tangier. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tangier. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Tangier. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Tangier. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Tangier in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Tangier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Tangier 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Tangier in the Spring?
Both Tangier and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Tangier. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Tangier. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Tangier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Tangier averages at about 15°C (60°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Tangier 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Tangier and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Tangier | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.