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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Ghent?

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 Ghent 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 Ghent?

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.

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

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


Which place is cheaper, Ghent 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 Ghent is $168. 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 Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $26
    Ghent $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $52
    Ghent $168
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Ghent? 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 Ghent


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 Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $12
    Ghent $22

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent 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
    Ghent $70

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 Ghent

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

  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $93
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $109
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $178

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Ghent $10

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 Ghent

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:

  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.57
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.57
  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.57
  • Ghent Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.75
  • Ghent Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
  • Pub Trail an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of The Flemish City: $15
  • Escape Tour Gent -selfguided citygame- and find the secret exit!: $24
  • Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
  • TV like Ultimate Quiz Experience in Ghent: $30
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $54
  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $7.20
    Ghent $21


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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Ghent?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Ghent, 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 Ghent?

Ghent 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 Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Ghent. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zanzibar is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Ghent. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Ghent 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Ghent. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent 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, most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. Zanzibar is much warmer than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Ghent. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Ghent and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)