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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Tartu?

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 Tartu 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 Tartu?

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.

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, and The Best Budget Tours to Estonia.


Which place is cheaper, Tartu 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 Tartu is $151. 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 Tartu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Tartu $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Tartu $108
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Tartu

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Tartu? 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 Tartu


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 Tartu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Tartu $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Range Rover Sport: $300
  • Zanzibar Must-see Sights with Lunch and Transfers: $249
  • Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
  • The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
  • Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $96
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $96
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
  • Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $90
  • Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $88
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kendwa: $87
  • Private Transfer from Kendwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $87
  • Private Transfer from Kiwengwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Tartu?

Prices for flights to both Tartu 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
    Tartu $74

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
  • Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
  • Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
  • Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $75
  • 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $99
  • Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
  • Fully Day Private Tour Spice Tour Cooking Class and Stone town: $130
  • Spice Farm with Cooking Class + Lunch and Stone town (City tour): $130
  • Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
  • Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $140
  • Mnemba Snorkeling Tour, Secret Garden, Stone Town Tour, Emerson Spice Dinner: $150

Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    $0.86
  • Lunch for Two
    $5.62
  • Ice Cream
    $1.45
  • Cookies
    $0.58
  • Coffee & Cake
    $3.96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Tartu $19

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
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
  • 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
  • 3inONE, Private Spice, Stone Town & Prison Island Tours: $120
  • 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $68
  • 5 HOURS Stone Town Tour Including Pick-up and Drop off: $70
  • 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 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    $1.09
  • Movie Ticket
    $3.96

Tours and Activities in Tartu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $29
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141
  • Private Horse-Drawn Sleigh Adventures: $209
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $253
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
  • Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.75
    Tartu $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:

  • Thrilling Pub Crawl In Zanzibar. Visit 3 Unique Bars: $26


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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Tartu?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Tartu, 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 Tartu?

Tartu 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 Tartu in the Summer?

Both Tartu 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.

Zanzibar is a little warmer than Tartu in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Tartu fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Tartu. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tartu receives 265 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Tartu. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Tartu 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Tartu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Tartu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Zanzibar is much warmer than Tartu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Tartu averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Tartu during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Tartu receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Tartu. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Tartu 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Tartu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Tartu. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Tartu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Tartu can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Tartu. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Tartu fluctuates around -7°C (19°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Tartu. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tartu receives 36 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Tartu. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Tartu -7°C (19°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Tartu in the Spring?

Both Tartu 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, most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months.

Tartu can be very cold during spring. Zanzibar is much warmer than Tartu in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Tartu fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Tartu during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Tartu receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Tartu. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Tartu receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Tartu 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Tartu and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Tartu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)