Which place is cheaper, Vancouver 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 Vancouver?
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 Vancouver 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 Vancouver?
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.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city in Western Canada. It is also the largest city in British Columbia, and is dramatically positioned between the coast and mountains. It's a very international city, with a high level of energy and countless activites that you can enjoy while you're in town. In addition to offering all of the activities and entertainment of a modern city, it is also in jumping off distance to any number of outdoor 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 from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesVancouver Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $62Vancouver $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $62, while the average daily cost in Vancouver is $159. 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 Vancouver in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Vancouver $84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Vancouver $168
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Vancouver
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Vancouver? 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 Vancouver Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Vancouver $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Mercedes-Benz: $300
- Zanzibar Must-see Sights with Lunch and Transfers: $249
- Luxury Zanzibar Airport Transfer in Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: $220
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $211
- Zanzibar Golf Adventure in Paradise with Hotel Transfer: $148
- Safari Blue Zanzibar - Seafood Lunch, Sandbank & Hotel Transfer: $145
- Zanzibar Private Round Trip Airport Transfer: $121
- Zanzibar Tour in Secret Beach, Kuza Cave and Jozani with transfer: $120
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $95
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $95
- Private Transfer from Kizimkazi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $95
- Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $95
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vancouver
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vancouver are as follows:
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SkyTrain from Airport$6.14
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Taxi from Airport to Downtown$20
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15 min Taxi Ride$8.42
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SkyTrain DayPass$6.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vancouver
Also for Vancouver, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer: Vancouver Airport YVR to Vancouver in Business Car: $126
- Arrival Transfer: Vancouver Airport YVR - Vancouver by Luxury SUV: $140
- Canada Cruise Port to Vancouver Airport (YVR) - Private Transfer: $116
- Canada Place Cruise Port to Vancouver Arrival Private Transfer: $82
- Canada Place Cruise Port to Vancouver hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $116
- Canada Place Port to Vancouver Airport(YVR) - Departure Transfer: $96
- Departure Private Transfer Vancouver to YVR Airport or Cruise Port- Business Car: $85
- Departure Private Transfer from Vancouver to Vancouver YVR or Cruise Port by SUV: $102
- Departure Private Transfer: Vancouver to Vancouver Airport YVR in Luxury Car: $188
- Group Transfer to/from Vancouver International Airport (YVR): $32
- Luxury Personalized Vancouver Transfer Airport or Cruise: $43
- Pre- & Post Cruise Vancouver City Tour with Private Transfer: $492
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Vancouver?
Prices for flights to both Vancouver 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 $28Vancouver $52
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
- Zanzi Nights Stone Town Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $45
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class and Spice Farm: $59
- Spice Farm Zanzibar Cooking Class Authentic Cultural Experience: $65
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class: $69
- Cooking Class Tour: $75
- Zanzibar Cultural Cuisines Cooking Class & Spice Farm Tour: $75
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $77
- Zanzibar Spice and Night Market Cooking and Street Food Tour: $80
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $97
- Zanzibar Sunset Dinner Dhow Cruise Kendwa Nungwi: $130
- half day tours spice Farm with Cooking Class: $130
Typical Food Prices in Vancouver
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Vancouver:
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All You Can Eat Sushi Lunch$8.51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vancouver
For Vancouver, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vancouver Sweet Treats Food Tour: Donuts, Pastries, and More: $75
- Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Food Tour: $82
- Vancouver Gastown's Elite Walking Food Tour Experience: $92
- Dim Sum Cooking Class with Chef Renée in Vancouver: $94
- Vancouver Chinatown Elite Food Tour Hidden Gems & Local Tastings: $97
- Vancouver Local Taste Trail Food Tour: $98
- Experience Gastown Vancouver's Elite Walking Food Tour: $101
- 6 Tastings Food Tour of Gastown District: $102
- Taste North Vancouver Shipyards - Food Tour with Local Eats: $112
- Gastown Historical Walking Food Tour: $117
- Vancouver Foodie Tour: Granville Island Market Food Tour: $118
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Vancouver $35
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 Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island: $26
- 5 HOURS Stone Town Tour Including Pick-up and Drop off: $70
- A Full Day Safari Blue Tour And Blue Lagoon: $140
- A Half Day Private Dolphins And Snorkeling Tour To Mnemba Island: $95
- A Half Day Private Stone Town Tour: $85
- A Half Day Private Tour To Jozani Forest: $87
- A Half Day Private Tour to Spice Farm: $80
- A Private Full Day Tour To Stone Town & Spice Farm: $90
- Authentic Stone Town Walking Tour With The Local Zanzibar Cuisine: $67
Tours and Activities in Vancouver
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vancouver.
- Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $3.42
- Vancouver Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $3.67
- Mt. Pleasant Street Art Tour with a Guide: $4.93
- Gratuity-Based Vancouver City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour: $5.00
- Fort Langley Film & Television Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $5.75
- Vancouver Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Spy Escape in Outdoor Puzzle Adventure: $6.17
- Stanley Park Self Guided Bike Tour: $6.33
- Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of Gastown: $7.04
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in North Vancouver by Operation City Quest: $10
- Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Stanley Park: $11
- Underground Comedy Club Entry Ticket: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.76Vancouver $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Vancouver
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Vancouver:
- Amazing Bar Crawl in Vancouver BC: $15
- Gastown Pub Crawl: $21
- 3.5-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $85
- North Vancouver Elite Walking Brewery Tour: $93
- Vancouver Craft Brewery Tour Led by a Local: $104
- From Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Local Tastings: $127
- From Half-Day Fraser Valley Wine Tour: $133
- Fraser Valley Wine Tour with Tastings: $158
- Stawamus Chief Hike & Local Brewery Tasting: $169
- Fraser Valley and White Rock Wine Tour: $171
- Stawamus Chief Hike and Local Brewery Tasting: $173
- Vancouver Distillery Private Tour and Tasting: $260
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Vancouver, we can see that Vancouver 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 Vancouver is in North America, 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 Vancouver would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vancouver 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 Vancouver Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Vancouver?
Vancouver has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?
Vancouver 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 Vancouver in the Summer?
Both Vancouver 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. Also, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Vancouver. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Vancouver 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Vancouver in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Vancouver. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, many visitors come to Vancouver in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Vancouver 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Vancouver in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Vancouver. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Zanzibar is much warmer than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°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 Vancouver. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Vancouver 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Vancouver in the Spring?
Both Vancouver 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, the spring months attract visitors to Vancouver because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).
Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Vancouver. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Vancouver 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Vancouver and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Vancouver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 179 mm (7.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 198 mm (7.8 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.