Which place is cheaper, Geneva 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 Geneva?
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 Geneva 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesGeneva Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Geneva $288
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Geneva is $288. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Geneva $168
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Geneva $336
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Geneva? 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 Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Geneva $11
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 Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Airport Transfer: Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by Luxury Van: $112
- Chamonix: Private Transfer from Geneva with Wi-Fi and Water: $293
- From One-Way Transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine: $23
- Geneva Airport (GVA) Private Transfer to Geneva/Lausanne/Chamonix: $48
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $186
- Geneva Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to City centre: $171
- Geneva Private Transfer to Val D' Isére or Tignes: $287
- Geneva Ski Station Transfer to Val Thorens: $142
- Geneva hotel to Geneva Gare Cornavinof Station CFF Transfer: $106
- Geneva to Annecy Private Transfer: $161
- Geneva to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 $30Geneva $105
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 Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class, Swiss Folklore: $223
- Taste Geneva – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $226
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $227
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Geneva $35
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 Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $18
- Guided Tour of Capital of Peace ( Outside ): $20
- 50-Minute Lake Geneva Cruise: $24
- Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $24
- Unusual Audio Tour of Geneva: $30
- Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour: $33
- International & Panoramic Tours Geneva: $33
- Scenic Lake Cruise with Snacks and Wine: $36
- (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $37
- Hop-on Hop-Off Bus & Scenic Mini-Train Tour: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Geneva $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Geneva
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Geneva:
- Geneva Countryside Wine tasting, Aperitif, Castle By E-bike: $175
- Swiss Vineyard Wine Tasting Tour in Vaud: $263
- Lavaux, Chexbres, and Valais Wine Tasting Tour: $450
- Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting by TukTuk: $541
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Geneva?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
Geneva 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 Geneva in the Summer?
Both Geneva 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, many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Geneva. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Geneva averages at about 22°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Geneva. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Geneva in the Autumn?
Both Geneva 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, many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Geneva in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Geneva. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Geneva can be very cold during winter. Zanzibar is much warmer than Geneva in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Geneva during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Geneva in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Geneva. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Geneva. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Geneva averages at about 11°C (53°F).
In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Geneva. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.