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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Warsaw?

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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw?

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.

Warsaw

Warsaw is the capital city of Poland. It has a population of 1.7 million, making it the country's largest city. Located on the Vistula River, it is a popular tourist destination for its interesting architecture and culture. The right bank of the river was the first area to become populated in the 9th or 10 century. Today, however, the city's central district is on the left bank of the river. The Old Town, where you will find many sights and attractions, is fully contained within the city center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.


Which place is cheaper, Warsaw or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Warsaw is $94. 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 Warsaw in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $24
    Warsaw $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $48
    Warsaw $104
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Warsaw

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Warsaw? 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 Warsaw


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 Warsaw Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $11
    Warsaw $4.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • From Mystery Day Safari with Transfer: $500
  • Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers : $260
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Kiwengwa: $200
  • Safari blue tour with Lunch and Transfers: $180
  • Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
  • Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $141
  • Private Return Transfer From Zanzibar Airport To Paje: $140
  • Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
  • Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
  • Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Luxury Sedan: $125
  • Ferry Zanzibar :Transfer services: $120
  • Jozani Forest and Spice Farm Tour With Transfer: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Warsaw

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

  • Airport Transfer (Warsaw ⇄ Krakow): $142
  • Airport Transfer: Warsaw Airport WAW to Warsaw by Business Car: $66
  • Arrival Transfer: Warsaw Airport WAW to Warsaw by Luxury Van: $73
  • Axe Throwing with Hotel Transfers: $82
  • Chopin Airport One–Way Limousine Transfer: $249
  • Departure Transfer: Warsaw to Warsaw Airport WAW by Business Car: $66
  • Extreme Shooting Range with Transfers Warsaw: $92
  • Indoor Paintball with Hotel Transfers: $55
  • Luxury Warsaw Chopin Airport Transfer by private Minivan car: $90
  • Modlin-Warsaw WMI Airport Round-Trip Transfer: $197
  • ONEWAY Private Warsaw Chopin Airport(WAW) to/from Warsaw Transfer: $24
  • Premium Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) Private Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Warsaw?

Prices for flights to both Warsaw 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 $17
    Warsaw $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.

  • Half-Day Kuza Cave Swimming Adventure and Cooking Class: $13
  • Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
  • Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
  • An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
  • Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
  • Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
  • Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
  • Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
  • Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
  • Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
  • Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65

Typical Food Prices in Warsaw

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $13
  • Lunch for Two
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Warsaw

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

  • Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe with Skip-the-Line: $19
  • Breakfast Market Food Tour in Warsaw: $56
  • Warsaw's No 1 cooking class-Polish dumplings with liqueur tasting: $61
  • Polish Dumplings Cooking Class: $62
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class in Warsaw: $79
  • Traditional Polish Cooking Class with liquor tasting in Warsaw: $89
  • Polish Food Tour: $93
  • Taste of Poland - Old Town food tour and guided walk in one: $95
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $110
  • The 10 Tastings of Warsaw With Locals: Private Food Tour : $117
  • EVERYDAY Warsaw Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Warsaw $7.02

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
  • Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
  • Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
  • Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $130
  • Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour: $35
  • Zanzibar Spice Tour : $47
  • 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
  • 2day Zanzibar adventure: Prison Island & Sandbank (all-incl): $538
  • 3 HOURS PRISON ISLAND TOUR IN ZANZIBAR: $60
  • 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 : $26

Tours and Activities in Warsaw

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $4.31
  • Walking Audio Tour of Wilanów Palace Grounds: $5.20
  • Uncover Historic Marvels of In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
  • Warsaw at War 1939-1945: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Warsaw's Old Town A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Old Town Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
  • Smartphone Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Museum POLIN "(post)JEWISH..." - Exhibition Ticket: $7.47
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Ticket: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $6.86
    Warsaw $10

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Warsaw

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Warsaw:

  • The Original Pub Crawl: $16
  • #1 Pub Crawl Warsaw with Premium Open Bar: $20
  • Pub Crawl with 1-Hour Open Bar: $20
  • Warsaw Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $177


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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Warsaw?

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

Warsaw 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 Warsaw in the Summer?

Both Warsaw 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year.

In the summer, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Warsaw. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Warsaw averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Warsaw. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Warsaw receives 353 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Warsaw. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Warsaw 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Warsaw in the Autumn?

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

In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Warsaw. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Warsaw fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Warsaw during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Warsaw receives 135 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Warsaw 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Warsaw in the Winter?

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

Warsaw can get quite cold in the winter. Zanzibar is much warmer than Warsaw in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Warsaw fluctuates around -3°C (27°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 Warsaw. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Warsaw receives 35 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Warsaw. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Warsaw -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Warsaw in the Spring?

Both Warsaw 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 Warsaw for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Warsaw. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Warsaw averages at about 9°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Warsaw. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Warsaw during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Warsaw receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Warsaw. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Warsaw receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Warsaw 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Warsaw and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Warsaw
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -3°C (27°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) -0°C (31°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)