Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso?
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 Tromso 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 Tromso?
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.
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesTromso Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Tromso $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Tromso is $85. 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 Tromso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Tromso $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Tromso $66
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Tromso
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Tromso? 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 Tromso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Tromso $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers: $259
- Zanzibar JetCar ride with drone video and transfer included: $168
- The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
- Private Nakupenda Beach Day with Seafood Lunch and Transfers: $126
- Zanzibar Tour in Secret Beach, Kuza Cave and Jozani with transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $97
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $97
- Zanzibar Quad Adventures from Nungwi or Kendwa & Hotel Transfer: $95
- Zanzibar Old Town Private Transfer: $95
- Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
- Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer from Bwejuu to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Highway to Heaven - Aurora Cable Car Transfer in Tromsø: $126
- Private Transfer Tromso Airport TOS to Tromso City: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Tromso?
Prices for flights to both Tromso 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 $28Tromso $44
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
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $76
- Zanzibar Spice & Night Market: Cooking & Street Food Tour: $80
- Zanzibar Private Tour & Cooking Class: $110
- 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
- Private Dinner on Sandbank in Zanzibar: $150
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tromso Aurora Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $211
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $222
- Small Group Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase with Photos and Dinner: $233
- Tromsø: Northern Lights by Minibus - Free Photos and Warm Dinner: $244
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Tromso $6.77
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 Hours Private Stone Town City Tour: $50
- 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour: $19
- 3 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island: $25
- 3inONE, Private Spice, Stone Town & Prison Island Tours: $120
- 4h Quad Adventures in Nungwi / Kendwa: $135
- 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 Full Day Stone Town and Spice Farm Private Tour: $100
- A Half Day Private Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour To Mnemba Island: $95
Tours and Activities in Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- Discover Tromsø: A Self-Guided Tour: $3.49
- A Tromsø Introduction: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Tromsø Walking Tour - Sightseeing By Foots with Boukersen Heim: $58
- Tromso Walking Tour with Treasure Hunt and Arctic Cathedral Visit: $68
- Evening tour: Sledding, mini skiing, lasso and reindeer hides: $74
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $94
- Wilderness Daytime Experience at Camp Tamok: $101
- Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour with Free Photos: $105
- Guided Tromsdalen Snowshoe Adventure Starts Here: $106
- Northern Lights Cruise from Tromsø – Witness the Aurora Borealis: $116
- Tromsø: Exclusive Fjord Adventure by Bus: $116
- Tromsø Guided Hiking Adventure with Artic Picnic: $117
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.75Tromso $5.62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Tromso, we can see that Tromso 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 Tromso 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 Tromso would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tromso 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 Tromso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Tromso?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Tromso, 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 Tromso?
Tromso 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 Tromso in the Summer?
Both Tromso 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 hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Tromso in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Tromso, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Tromso. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Tromso 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Tromso in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Tromso. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In the autumn, Zanzibar is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Tromso averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tromso receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Tromso. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Tromso 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Tromso in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Tromso. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Tromso in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Tromso can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Tromso fluctuates around -4°C (25°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 Tromso. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Tromso. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Tromso -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Tromso in the Spring?
Both Tromso 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 Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Tromso can be very cold during spring. Zanzibar is much warmer than Tromso in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Tromso. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Tromso 1°C (33°F)
Typical Weather for Tromso and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Tromso | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.