Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zanzibar or Alesund?
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 Alesund 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 Alesund?
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.
Alesund
Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.
-
Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesAlesund Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Alesund $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $133. 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 Alesund in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Alesund $58
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Alesund $116
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Alesund
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Alesund? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Alesund $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- Prison Island Half Day Journey With Transfers - Zanzibar: $14
- Prison Island Excursion Half-Day Tour with Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
- Prison Island Experience Half Day Trip With Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
- Prison Island Adventure Half Day Tour With Transfer - Zanzibar: $15
- Zanzibar Arrival Transfer: Zanzibar Airport to Hotel: $17
- Prison Island Experience Half Day Tour With Transfer - Zanzibar: $18
- Zanzibar Airport/Hotels transfer best price: $19
- Premium Private Transfer in Zanzibar – Airport, Hotels, Beaches: $20
- Airport Transfer in Zanzibar for Arrivals: $20
- Guided Tour of Stone Town's Historic Sites + Transfer – Zanzibar: $20
- Zanzibar Airport Transfers to Hotels : $20
- Stone Town Historical Walking Tour with Transfers – Zanzibar: $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:
- Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $163
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $105
- Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $119
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $52
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $215
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $125
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $52
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $150
- Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $125
- Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Alesund?
Prices for flights to both Alesund 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 dayZanzibar $30Alesund $57
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Alesund $18
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 Alesund
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:
- The Essence of Ålesund Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $46
- Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $61
- Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $71
- Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $71
- Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $113
- Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $124
- 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $133
- Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $134
- Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $137
- Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $144
- Kayak Tour to the 7 sisters in Geiranger : $155
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Alesund $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Alesund, we can see that Alesund 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 Alesund 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Alesund Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Alesund?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Alesund, 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 Alesund?
Alesund 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 Alesund in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Alesund. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alesund in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Alesund. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Alesund 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Alesund in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Alesund. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Alesund for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Alesund. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Alesund 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Alesund in the Winter?
Both Alesund and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Alesund because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Zanzibar is much warmer than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Alesund. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Alesund 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Alesund in the Spring?
Both Alesund and Zanzibar during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.
It's quite cold in Alesund in the spring. In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Alesund. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Alesund 5°C (40°F)
Typical Weather for Alesund and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Alesund | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 167 mm (6.6 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.