Which place is cheaper, Havana 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 Havana?
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 Havana 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, and The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesHavana Prices
Cuba Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Havana $74
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Havana $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Havana? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Havana $19
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 Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $30Havana $18
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 Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Havana $11
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 Havana
Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Havana $5.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar and Havana, we can see that Havana is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Zanzibar is in Africa and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Havana?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Havana, 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 Havana?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Zanzibar or Havana in the Summer?
Both Havana and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Havana. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Havana in the Autumn?
Both Havana 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Havana in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Havana. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Havana in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Havana. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
Zanzibar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Zanzibar is a little warmer than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.