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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Dublin?

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 Dublin 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 Dublin?

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.

Dublin

Dublin is the vibrant and fun capital city of Ireland and home to over a third of the country's population. There are almost 2 million people in the metropolitan area. It's also the most common entry point into the country for visitors. Once you arrive, its a good idea to head over to the main tourist office in St. Andrew's Church off Grafton Street. They can give you maps and information to make sure your trip is efficient and fun. Many people enjoy seeing what remains of the Georgian architecture throughout the city. Much of the city is also modernist in style with many blocks made up of offices.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dublin or Zanzibar?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Dublin is $210. 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 Dublin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $26
    Dublin $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $52
    Dublin $160
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Dublin

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Dublin? 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 Dublin


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 Dublin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $12
    Dublin $23

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • “Executive Limousine Transfer from Dublin Airport – Private: $179
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from Dublin airport DUB to Dublin: $99
  • Arrival Transfer Dublin Airport to Dublin City by Van or Minibus: $126
  • Arrival Transfer: Dublin Airport DUB to Dublin in Luxury Van: $128
  • Child Friendly | Dublin Airport Transfer: $186
  • Conrad Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $183
  • Departure Transfer Dublin to Dublin Airport by Van or Minibus: $126
  • Departure Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Business Car: $118
  • Departure Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Luxury Van: $128
  • Driven by Excellence , Defined by Prestige Wheels Transfers: $94
  • Dublin Airport & City Transfers : $239
  • Dublin Airport Private Transfer: $143

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Dublin?

Prices for flights to both Dublin 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
    Dublin $100

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

Typical Food Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    $4.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.

  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $32
  • Food on Foot: Dublin Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $33
  • Belvedere Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $59
  • Dublin Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Dublin Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour: $70
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $71
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $82
  • Irish Dinner & Dance Show at Johnnie Fox’s: $88
  • Ultimate Dublin Food Tour: $93
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $94
  • Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $96
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $116

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Dublin $29

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    $31
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    $32
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    $5.28
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    $7.39

Tours and Activities in Dublin

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

  • Self Guided Tours Dublin With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
  • Historic Landmarks Walking Tour: $4.70
  • Ardgillan Castle Entry Ticket: $7.05
  • Interactive Guided Tour of Printing History: $7.17
  • Dublin Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
  • Dublin Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Dublin Downtown Smartphone Guided GPS Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • The Mystical Hill of Tara: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) Self-Guided Coastal Audio Tour: $10
  • Dublin Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $12
  • A Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin's Docklands: $12
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Dublin's Temple Bar: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $7.20
    Dublin $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Dublin Ireland Bar Crawl: $15
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $16
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $24
  • Dublin Pub Tour in Spanish: $24
  • The Black Experience Pub Tour: $24
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $26
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery: Trilogy Experience: $26
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $29
  • Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings: $36
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour and Tasting 45 mins: $37
  • Dublin Jameson Distillery Guided tour and Tasting in French: $37
  • Pub Crawl Walking Tour Through the Heart of Irelands Capital: $38


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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

Dublin 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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin 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, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Dublin. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Dublin 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin 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, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

Zanzibar is much warmer than Dublin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dublin. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Dublin 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Dublin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Dublin averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Dublin. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Dublin 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Dublin. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Dublin. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Dublin 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dublin and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Dublin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)