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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Acapulco de Juarez?

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 Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez?

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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Acapulco de Juarez or Zanzibar?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Zanzibar Prices
    Tanzania Prices
    Acapulco de Juarez Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zanzibar $66
    Acapulco de Juarez $92

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Acapulco de Juarez is $92. 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 Acapulco de Juarez in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $26
    Acapulco de Juarez $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $52
    Acapulco de Juarez $70
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Acapulco de Juarez

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Acapulco de Juarez? 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 Acapulco de Juarez


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 Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $12
    Acapulco de Juarez $15

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:

  • Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers: $75
  • Airport Transfer In Suburban: $45
  • Roundtrip Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $27
  • Shared Transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA): $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Acapulco de Juarez?

Prices for flights to both Acapulco de Juarez 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 $30
    Acapulco de Juarez $45

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.

  • Cliff Divers Exhibition 2 Drinks + Tacos al Pastor Dinner & Beer: $55
  • Lucha Libre-Wrestling FiestaExper Taco Dinner Beer ONLY SUNDAYS: $62
  • High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner + Two Drinks plus SUNSET: $66
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Market Tour with a Professional Chef: $100
  • Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
  • Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $253
  • Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Acapulco de Juarez $16

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
  • Stone Town tour: $20
  • Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
  • Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
  • Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
  • City tours zanzibar : $20
  • Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
  • Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24

Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez

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

  • Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet: $22
  • Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
  • Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $53
  • 4hr Fun Guide Tour For Cruisers or Hotels Guests with Divers Show: $58
  • Acapulco City Tour: $65
  • Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
  • 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $67
  • City Tour & Sunset High Cliff Divers by Night w/Different Choices: $67
  • Taxco One Day Tour from Acapulco by bus: $67
  • Tour Isla de la Roqueta Stand up paddle Acapulco: $67
  • Acapulco City Tour: $68
  • 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $7.20
    Acapulco de Juarez $9.81


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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Acapulco de Juarez?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Acapulco de Juarez, 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 Acapulco de Juarez?

Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez in the Summer?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Zanzibar is cooler than Acapulco de Juarez in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Acapulco de Juarez during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Acapulco de Juarez in the Autumn?

Both Acapulco de Juarez and Zanzibar during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Zanzibar is cooler than Acapulco de Juarez. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Acapulco de Juarez averages at about 28°C (83°F).

In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 245 hours of full sun.

Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Acapulco de Juarez. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Acapulco de Juarez in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Acapulco de Juarez. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 272 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Acapulco de Juarez. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Acapulco de Juarez in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Acapulco de Juarez. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year.

Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Acapulco de Juarez in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Acapulco de Juarez fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Acapulco de Juarez. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 274 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Acapulco de Juarez. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Acapulco de Juarez receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Acapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Acapulco de Juarez and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Acapulco de Juarez
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 271 mm (10.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (83°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 341 mm (13.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)