Which place is cheaper, Zanzibar or Paphos?
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 Paphos or Zanzibar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Zanzibar, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Paphos or Zanzibar?
Paphos
Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, and The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania.
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Paphos Prices
Cyprus PricesZanzibar Prices
Tanzania Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPaphos €125Zanzibar €57
The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €125, while the average daily cost in Zanzibar is €57. 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 Paphos and Zanzibar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPaphos €48Zanzibar €22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPaphos €96Zanzibar €44
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Zanzibar
Looking for a hotel in Paphos or Zanzibar? 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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Zanzibar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paphos €12Zanzibar €10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:
- Blue Lagoon Boat Cruise with Bus Transfer from Paphos: $42
- Blue Lagoon Pafos to Latchi, bus transfer+ Boat trip H/D: $42
- Blue Lagoon Sunset Cruise from Paphos with Transfers: $30
- Blue Lagoon cruise: giant slide, music & Paphos hotel transfers: $35
- Blue Lagoon trip with Transfer from Paphos including 1 hour swim : $45
- Blue Lagoon: 3 Hours Afternoon Cruise with transfer from Paphos: $46
- CO2-Offset Private Car Transfer from Paphos Airport PFO to Polis: $80
- CO2-Offset Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Nicosia City : $199
- From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $70
- Ocean Vision: Show & Dance Night with buffet, open bar & transfer: $94
- Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $86
- Paphos Blue Lagoon Cruise: Slide, Music & Hotel Transfer: $34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Airport /Hotel Transfers in Zanzibar : $25
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Arrivals: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Departures: $55
- Airport to Stown Town or Stown Town To Airport transfer: $20
- Airport/port Transfer : $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport to Nungwi Beach Zanzibar: $40
- Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $250
- Discover Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant W/ Transfer – Zanzibar: $50
- Explore Jozani Forest & Rock Restaurant with Transfer – Zanzibar: $50
- Guided Tour of Stone Town's Historic Sites + Transfer – Zanzibar: $20
- Half Day Zanzibar City Tour with Airport Transfer: $30
- Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Zanzibar?
Prices for flights to both Zanzibar and Paphos 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 dayPaphos €65Zanzibar €26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Paphos.
- From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $62
- Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $73
- Cyprus: Cooking Class-Mousaka, Tzatziki & Greek Salad: $88
- Moussaka Cooking Class at a Wine Village Villa in Paphos: $226
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- Zanzibar Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class With Lunch: $52
- Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class : $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Spice Tour & Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $60
- Zanzibar Cooking Lesson: $70
- Traditional Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $77
- A Half Day Private Cooking Class At the Spice Farm: $90
- 5 Hours Guided Spice Tour and Cooking Class in Zanzibar: $101
- Full-Day Private Tour in Zanzibar with Cooking Class: $110
- Spice Tour; Secret Garden Restaurant; Stone Town; Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: $130
- Exclusive Private Sunset Dinner Sail along North Coast Zanzibar: $140
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Paphos €12Zanzibar €11
Tours and Activities in Paphos
Here are a few actual costs in Paphos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Blue Lagoon Mediterranean One Boat Cruise from Latchi: $21
- Pafos Zoo Ticket: $22
- The Yellow Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise Swim & Snorkel: $23
- Paphos Sunset Cruise Swim Snorkel & Jump into the Golden Hour : $24
- From Limassol Experience: $29
- Latchi to Blue Lagoon Glass Bottom+slide Boat Tour: $30
- Blue Lagoon Cruise with Sightseeing from Latchi Harbour : $30
- Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide : $30
- Latchi Blue Lagoon Cruise: $36
- Akamas, Baths of Aphrodite and Blue Lagoon Day Tour: $41
- Turtle Watching Cruise,Snorkelling Adventure &Sunset: $41
- Yellow Submarine Swim Cruise with Unlimited Drinks: $41
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Zanzibar Organic Spice Farm Tour: $13
- Zanzibar : Stone Town Tour,history without transport: $14
- Spice Tour Zanzibar : $15
- Zanzibar stonetown walking tour with local guide: $18
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- City tours zanzibar : $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
- Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
- Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPaphos €9.98Zanzibar €6.15
Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:
- Afternoon Tour to Agios Neophytos Monastery with Wine Tasting: $44
- Paphos - Troodos Mountains 4x4 Tour with Free Wine Tasting: $70
- Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Wine tasting on-board the Demetris Chara BBQboat BlueLagoon tours: $89
- Local Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $111
- Troodos Mountains Vino Venture: All Inclusive Full Day Wine Tour: $138
- Private Wine Tour with Tastings and Winery Visits: $762
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paphos and Zanzibar, we can see that Paphos is more expensive. And not only is Zanzibar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Paphos is in Europe and Zanzibar is in Africa, 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 Paphos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paphos 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Zanzibar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paphos or Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Zanzibar, 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 Paphos or Zanzibar?
Paphos 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 Paphos or Zanzibar in the Summer?
Both Zanzibar and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Paphos is generally around the same temperature as Zanzibar. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Zanzibar fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Zanzibar during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Zanzibar receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zanzibar receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPaphos 27°C (80°F)Zanzibar 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Zanzibar in the Autumn?
Both Zanzibar and Paphos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round.
Paphos is cooler than Zanzibar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Zanzibar fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the autumn, Paphos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zanzibar. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zanzibar receives 275 hours of full sun.
Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zanzibar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPaphos 21°C (70°F)Zanzibar 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Zanzibar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Zanzibar. Many visitors come to Paphos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Paphos is much colder than Zanzibar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Zanzibar averages at about 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. Paphos usually receives less sunshine than Zanzibar during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Zanzibar receives 236 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zanzibar receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPaphos 12°C (53°F)Zanzibar 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Paphos or Zanzibar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Zanzibar. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.
In April, Paphos is generally much colder than Zanzibar. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Zanzibar fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zanzibar receives 155 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Zanzibar. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zanzibar receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPaphos 17°C (62°F)Zanzibar 27°C (81°F)
Typical Weather for Zanzibar and Paphos
| Paphos | Zanzibar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (56°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.