Which place is cheaper, Bergen 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 Bergen?
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 Bergen 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 Bergen?
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.
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.
-
Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesBergen Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Bergen $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $144. 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 Bergen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Bergen $74
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Bergen $148
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Bergen
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Bergen? 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 Bergen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Bergen $11
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 Bergen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $134
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by luxury minivan: $161
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Sedan: $114
- Bergen Airport BGO Private Transfer to Starefossen Bergen Hotels: $85
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen (BGO) Airport to City centre: $115
- Bergen Private Transfer from Bergen city centre to Bergen airport: $115
- BGO Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $37
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport (BGO): $115
- Private Transfer from Bergen Airport to City Center: $112
- Private Transfer to Airport, City or Cruise Port: $171
- Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $125
- From Private Transfer to Gudvangen: $494
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Bergen?
Prices for flights to both Bergen 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 $30Bergen $58
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 Bergen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergen.
- Ulriken Enjoy a 5-course dinner with panoramic views: $162
- Bergen Food Tour: $174
- Half Day Fishing and Outdoor Cooking in Bergen: $225
- Guided Fishing Tour with Outdoor Cooking: $262
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Bergen $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
- 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 Bergen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergen are as follows:
- 2 Hour Shared Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.57
- Off the Beaten Track in A Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
- The Headless Horseman in A Self Guided Walking Tour Game: $8.59
- Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $8.99
- Bergen's Landmarks and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- Walk with a Witch in 16th Century A Self-Guided Fictional Tour: $8.99
- Bergen Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.51
- Audio Walking Tour in Bergen Famous Ghosts Location : $9.75
- Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide: $15
- Authentic Morning Walking Tour: $20
- Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Bergen $7.56
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Bergen?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Bergen, 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 Bergen?
Bergen 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 Bergen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Bergen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Also, many visitors come to Bergen in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Bergen in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Bergen. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Bergen 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bergen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Bergen. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is much warmer than Bergen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Bergen averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Bergen. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Bergen 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bergen in the Winter?
Both Bergen 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 Bergen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Bergen can be very cold. In January, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Bergen. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Bergen. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Bergen 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Bergen in the Spring?
Both Bergen 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. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Bergen in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Bergen. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Bergen 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Bergen and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Bergen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 283 mm (11.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 259 mm (10.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 235 mm (9.3 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.