Which place is cheaper, Washington or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Washington?
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 Washington 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Washington $47
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
- 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
- Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $109
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer DCA to/from Washington DC Downtown Area only: $147
- Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Business Car: $141
- Arrival Private Transfer: National Airport DCA to Washington in Luxury SUV: $170
- Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $211
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury SUV: $157
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Van: $157
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to National Airport DCA in Business Car: $141
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to National Airport DCA in Luxury SUV: $170
- Departure Transfer: Washington to Airport BWI by Business Car: $123
- Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $17Washington $38
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 Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Washington $24
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 Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.45
- Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Blossoming Friendship: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: $5.99
- Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Washington DC: $5.99
- Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
- Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
- Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.09
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $6.86Washington $19
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 Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Washington?
Washington has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Washington, 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?
Both Washington 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, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Washington averages at about 79°F (26°C).
In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Washington. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Washington in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Washington. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Washington in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Washington. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. Zanzibar is much warmer than Washington in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Washington. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Washington. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Washington in the Spring?
Both Washington 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, many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Washington averages at about 56°F (14°C).
It's quite sunny in Washington. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Washington during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Washington. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.