Zanzibar is not expensive compared to many tropical destinations. You can visit Zanzibar comfortably on $50–$70 per day on a budget, $100–$180 mid-range, or $250+ for luxury, depending on accommodation, tours, and season.
If you’re planning a tropical getaway, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: is Zanzibar expensive? The short answer is no—Zanzibar can be very affordable, but your final cost depends on how you travel, where you stay, and what experiences you choose.
As local experts at Visit Zanzibar Island Tours, we’ve helped thousands of travelers—from backpackers to honeymooners—plan trips that fit their budgets without sacrificing unforgettable experiences. Zanzibar offers a rare mix of budget-friendly local options and high-end luxury, all on the same island.
In this in-depth guide, we break down real costs in Zanzibar—from food, hotels, and transport to excursions, safaris, and hidden fees. We’ll also share insider tips that only locals know, helping you avoid tourist traps and overspending.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this guide will help you understand exactly how expensive Zanzibar really is—and how to make it affordable for you.
Is Zanzibar Expensive Compared to Other Tropical Destinations?
When compared to other island destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, or Bora Bora, Zanzibar is significantly cheaper.
How Zanzibar Compares Globally
Zanzibar vs Maldives:
Zanzibar is dramatically cheaper. Maldives tourism is resort-only, while Zanzibar allows budget hotels, local restaurants, and public transport. One of our traveler who spent time in both noted how Zanzibar’s mixed model let them mingle with locals for authentic experiences, unlike the isolated resorts in the Maldives that can rack up $500+ daily just for basics.
Zanzibar vs Seychelles & Mauritius:
Zanzibar offers more affordable accommodation and tours, especially for independent travelers. Our budget backpacker shared that while Seychelles felt exclusive and pricey, Zanzibar’s guesthouses and shared excursions kept their costs low without skimping on beach vibes.
Zanzibar vs Thailand or Bali:
Food is slightly more expensive, but tours and private experiences are often better value. Travelers often compare Zanzibar’s spice tours to Bali’s rice terraces, but highlight how Zanzibar’s local participation makes activities like snorkeling more accessible and community-driven
Local Insight: Zanzibar’s cost advantage comes from its mixed tourism model—locals actively participate in tourism, keeping prices competitive. One long-term visitor fell in love with the island’s heart, describing emotional attachments formed through friendly locals and moments like ringing in the New Year beside turquoise waters.
How Much Does a Trip to Zanzibar Cost Per Day?
Daily costs vary based on travel style, season, and planning choices. It cost averages of $28 for budget, $66 mid-range, and $145 for luxury per person, including meals, transport, and hotels.
Budget Travelers ($50–$70 per day)
Ideal for backpackers and independent travelers:
- Guesthouses or hostels ($20–$35)
- Local meals & street food ($5–$10)
- Shared tours or public transport ($15–$25)
Budget travelers who plan locally can stretch their money significantly.
For instance, one explorer kept their 10-day trip to $30–$50 daily by staying in simple spots in Kendwa and Nungwi, using dala-dalas for cheap rides across the island, and eating fresh seafood on the beach—describing the white sands and unreal sunsets as “paradise on a shoestring.”
Another managed $25–$30 a day by focusing on street food ($1–$3 per item) and daladalas ($1+ to cross the island), though they noted accommodation as the biggest hurdle, often taking a third of the budget.
Mid-Range Travelers ($100–$180 per day)
Most visitors fall into this category:
- Comfortable hotels or boutique stays ($70–$120)
- Private tours ($40–$70)
- Restaurant dining ($15–$25)
Best balance of comfort and experience. A couple on a mid-range budget praised stays like a $53/night villa in Paje with spotless rooms, delicious breakfast, and beach proximity, calling it “couldn’t be closer to glorious Paje without sleeping on it,” while mixing in affordable local dishes for $5–$20 daily.
Luxury Travelers ($250+ per day)
For honeymooners and high-end travelers:
- Beach resorts & villas ($250–$800+)
- Private guides & boats ($100–$300)
- Spa, fine dining & exclusive activities
Zanzibar luxury often costs half of similar experiences elsewhere. High-end visitors rave about private beach dinners and dhow cruises, with one noting their $300–$500 daily splurge felt like unbeatable value compared to other tropics.
Are Hotels in Zanzibar Expensive?
Accommodation is one of Zanzibar’s biggest cost variables. Averages: $11 budget, $26 mid-range, $49 luxury per person (double occupancy).
Booking through local operators often unlocks better rates and room upgrades. One traveler scored a $230 bungalow for 6 nights in Jambiani, including breakfast, and loved the ocean views that made every morning feel magical.
Hotel Price Ranges
- Budget: $20–$50 (guesthouses, hostels)
- Mid-range: $80–$150 (boutique hotels, beachfront lodges)
- Luxury: $250–$1,000+ (resorts, private villas)
Factors Affecting Hotel Prices
- Location (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Stone Town)
- Beachfront vs inland
- Seasonality
- Amenities (pool, AC, ocean view)
Is Food Expensive in Zanzibar?
Food is one of Zanzibar’s most affordable pleasures, averaging $12 budget, $30 mid-range, $70 luxury daily.
Typical Food Costs
- Street food: $1–$3
- Local restaurant meal: $4–$8
- Tourist restaurant: $10–$20
- Fine dining: $25–$40
Zanzibar’s cuisine blends Swahili, Arabic, Indian, and African influences, with fresh seafood available daily.
Local Experience: Eating where locals eat saves money and delivers better flavor. Travelers at Forodhani Gardens Night Market sample Zanzibari pizza and urojo soup for under $7, describing the buzzing atmosphere as a highlight—aromatic spices wafting through the air amid ocean breezes. Another enjoyed $1.50–$4 local dishes like ugali and nyama choma, keeping daily eats to $5 by sticking to Tanzanian fare.
Are Tours and Activities in Zanzibar Expensive?
Tours offer excellent value relative to experience quality, averaging $10–$26 daily for entertainment.
Average Tour Prices
- Safari Blue: $80–$120
- Dolphin & snorkeling: $40–$70
- Spice farm: $15–$25
- Stone Town tour: $20–$30
- Prison Island: $30–$40
Why Prices Vary
- Group vs private
- Boat size & quality
- Inclusions (meals, snorkeling gear)
Direct booking with Visit Zanzibar Island Tours avoids reseller markups. Real adventurers share stories like a $50 day trip combining Stone Town, Prison Island, and spice tour—touching cloves and tasting fresh fruits while learning about Swahili culture, calling it “educational and immersive.”
Snorkeling in Menai Bay’s crystal waters revealed stunning marine life, with one saying it felt like swimming in an aquarium for just shared group rates.
Budget options include free wanders in Stone Town’s alleys or affordable dhow sunset sails with drinks, where travelers watch the sun dip below the horizon from traditional boats..
Is Transportation in Zanzibar Expensive?
Transport is affordable but comfort-driven, averaging $4–$33 daily.
Transport Options
- Dala-dala: $1–$3 (very basic)
- Taxi: $30–$60 (airport to beach)
- Private driver: $80–$120/day
Expert Advice: Most travelers prefer private drivers for safety, time-saving, and flexibility. Backpackers swear by dala-dalas for $1 island crossings, sharing laughs with locals crammed in, though they warn it’s basic and adventurous.
Is Zanzibar Expensive for Honeymooners?
Zanzibar is one of the best-value honeymoon destinations worldwide.
Couples enjoy:
- Private beach dinners
- Romantic dhow cruises
- Luxury resorts at competitive prices
Typical honeymoon budget: $1,500–$3,000 (excluding flights). Honeymooners recount intimate moments like sunset kayaks in transparent boats or cave swims in Kuza’s blue lagoons, all without breaking the bank compared to pricier spots.
Is Zanzibar Expensive for Families?
Zanzibar is family-friendly and cost-effective:
- Family rooms widely available
- Kids discounts on tours
- Flexible itineraries
Customized family packages significantly reduce costs. Families love kid-safe spots like Starfish Beach’s tidal pools for snorkeling, or village tours where little ones learn from local women weaving—creating memories that feel priceless yet affordable
When Is Zanzibar Cheapest to Visit?
Low Season (Cheapest)
- March–May
- November
High Season (Most Expensive)
- July–October
- December holidays
Best Value: Shoulder seasons offer good weather + lower prices.
How Can You Save Money in Zanzibar?
- Book locally
- Eat local
- Avoid airport currency exchange
- Choose custom packages
- Travel off-peak
Our clients save 20–30% using local expertise.
Additional tips from explorers:
- Learn basic Swahili for better haggling
- carry small cash for markets
- Join group tours to split costs—turning potential overspends into savvy savings.
Conclusion
So, is Zanzibar expensive? The reality—confirmed by years of local experience—is that Zanzibar offers outstanding value for money.
Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget or planning a luxury escape, the island adapts to you.
What makes Zanzibar special is not just its affordability, but its flexibility. You can enjoy pristine beaches, rich Swahili culture, world-class snorkeling, and unforgettable sunsets without overspending—especially when guided by local experts.
At Visit Zanzibar Island Tours, we design trips around real budgets, transparent pricing, and authentic experiences. Our goal isn’t to sell the most expensive package, but to create the best value for your expectations.
Contact Visit Zanzibar Island Tours today and let us show you how Zanzibar can be unforgettable and affordable.
