Which place is cheaper, Aqaba or Zanzibar?
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 Zanzibar or Aqaba?
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 Aqaba 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 Aqaba?
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.
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, and The Best Budget Tours to Jordan.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesAqaba Prices
Jordan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Aqaba $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Aqaba is $157. 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 Aqaba in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Aqaba $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Aqaba $118
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Aqaba
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Aqaba? 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 Aqaba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Aqaba $24
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 Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
- Aqaba : Private Transfer From the Airport or your Hotel: $88
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
- Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra : $90
- Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
- Private Beach, Pools, Snorkeling & Boat Trip,Transfer: $66
- Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Aqaba?
Prices for flights to both Aqaba 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 $30Aqaba $73
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 Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Aqaba $54
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
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $24
- Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $27
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Wadi Rum Nature Desert morning or sunset: $30
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Aqaba $9.07
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Aqaba, we can see that Aqaba 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 Aqaba is in Middle East, 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Aqaba?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Aqaba, 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 Aqaba?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Aqaba in the Summer?
Both Aqaba and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Aqaba. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Aqaba during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Aqaba receives 384 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. In July, Zanzibar is generally cooler than Aqaba. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Aqaba fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Aqaba 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Aqaba in the Autumn?
Both Aqaba 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Aqaba. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aqaba. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aqaba receives 295 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Aqaba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Aqaba fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Aqaba 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Aqaba in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Aqaba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Aqaba. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aqaba during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Aqaba receives 234 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Aqaba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Aqaba averages at about 14°C (57°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Aqaba 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Aqaba in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Aqaba. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Aqaba. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Aqaba receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Aqaba. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aqaba receives 282 hours of full sun.
In April, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Aqaba. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Aqaba fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Aqaba 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Aqaba and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Aqaba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.