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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Florence?

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 Florence 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 Florence?

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.

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.

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


Which place is cheaper, Florence 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 Florence is $211. 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 Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $26
    Florence $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $52
    Florence $204
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Florence? 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 Florence


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 Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $12
    Florence $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Arrival Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Zanzibar by Luxury Car: $250
  • Private Return Transfer From Zanzibar Airport To Paje: $140
  • The Top Best Tour in Stone Town and Prison Island with Transfer: $130
  • Jet Ski to Zanzibar with photos and video and transfer included: $120
  • Private Transfer from Makunduchi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $99
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kizimkazi: $99
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Makunduchi: $99
  • Zanzibar Ferry Terminal Departure Transfers.: $90
  • Private Transfer from Bwejuu to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Jambiani: $89
  • Private Transfer from Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Kendwa: $89
  • Private Transfer from Kiwengwa to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence

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


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    $9.39
  • Taxi from Airport
    $29
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    $35
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    $5.87
  • Bus From Airport
    $5.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Florence to Pisa Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $135
  • Arrival Transfer Florence Station SMN to Florence by Sedan or Van: $111
  • Chianti Wine Tastings and Visit to 3 Cellars with Lunch&Transfer: $209
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Montecatini Terme - Arrival Transfer: $164
  • Florence Airport (FLR) to Pisa - Arrival Private Transfer: $173
  • Florence Airport Transfers : Airport FLR to Florence City in Luxury Van: $221
  • Florence Airport Transfers : Florence City to Airport FLR in Business Car: $194
  • Florence Private Transfer from Florence Airport to City centre: $135
  • Florence Private Transfer from or to Florence Airport, Train Station and Hotel: $110
  • Florence to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $231

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence 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
    Florence $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

Typical Food Prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $7.63
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Florence Old City Street Food Tour and Guided Sightseeing: $35
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Lunch or Dinner: $35
  • Food Tour of Traditional Eateries and Wine Pairings: $36
  • Pasta Making Class with Dinner and Wine in Florence: $47
  • Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence: $48
  • Florence's Food Tour with Authentic Local Tastigs and Sightseeing: $50
  • Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $50
  • Florence Street Food Tour with Walking Sightseeing and Local Guide: $50
  • Pasta and Gelato Cooking Class in the heart of Florence: $51
  • Pasta Cooking Class with Unlimited Wine: $53
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $54
  • Cooking Class in Florence Pasta & Tiramisu Making Unlimited Wine: $54

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Florence $35

Tours and Activities in Zanzibar

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

  • Dolphin tour,See food lunch ,Aquarium ,Nunqwi beach,Sunset cruse: $145
  • Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
  • Full Day Spice Tour, Prison Island and City Tours: $140
  • Mnemba Island, Nungwi Village & Sea Turtle Experience: $160
  • Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $120
  • Stone Town Historical tour: $26
  • Stone town historical walking tour with Mohamed: $30
  • 2 Days Tour In Zanzibar: $180
  • 2 days tour from Jozani forest to Stone town zanzibar: $270
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
  • 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $25
  • 3h-Zanzibar Archipelago Shared ATV Experience: $79

Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    $13
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    $4.69
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    $117
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    $23
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    $7.04
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    $8.21

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $3.57
  • Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.58
  • Sunset Walking Tour: $3.58
  • Florence Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.17
  • Florence at Your Feet : A Tour of Its Historic Jewels: $4.77
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Florence: $5.96
  • AudioZoom into A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Firenze Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $6.57
  • Florence Medici Quest: Self-Guided Conspiracy Adventure: $7.16
  • Florence Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.35
  • Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Florence, City centre, Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $7.20
    Florence $22

Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    $4.93
  • Bottle of Wine
    $8.80

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

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

  • Florence Wine Tasting at Ponte Vecchio with Sommelier: $4.78
  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $18
  • Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $24
  • Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $25
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $27
  • Wine Tasting Experience near Florence: $30
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $36
  • Wine Tasting in an Authentic Tuscan Cellar in Radda in Chianti: $38
  • Chianti Half Day Wine Tour from Florence: $42
  • Montefioralle Winery - Tour and Wine Tasting in Chianti: $42
  • Wine Tasting of Brunello with Tuscan Cold Cuts and Cheese: $47
  • Winery tour & wine tasting in Montalcino: $48


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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Florence?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Florence, 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 Florence?

Florence 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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Zanzibar during the summer 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 summer months attract visitors to Florence because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Florence. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Florence. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Florence 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Florence. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Zanzibar is much warmer than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Florence during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Florence. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Florence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Florence. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Florence. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Florence. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Florence 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Florence. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Florence 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Florence and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Florence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)