Which place is cheaper, Hofn 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 Hofn?
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 Hofn 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 Hofn?
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.
Hofn
Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesHofn Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Hofn $207
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Hofn is $207. 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 Hofn in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Hofn $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Hofn $226
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Hofn
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Hofn? 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 Hofn Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Hofn $31
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
- 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 Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport to Matemwe: $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
- Private Transfer from Michamvi to Zanzibar (ZNZ) Airport: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Hofn?
Prices for flights to both Hofn 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 $30Hofn $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Hofn $20
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
Tours and Activities in Hofn
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.
- Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
- The Orignal Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $164
- Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
- Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: $182
- Frozen Wonders : Small Group Ice Cave Tour: $200
- Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $203
- 3 Hours Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajokull : $214
- Sindri’s Ice Cave Photography Tour: A Local’s Perspective: $215
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Hofn $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Hofn, we can see that Hofn 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 Hofn 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 Hofn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hofn 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 Hofn Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Hofn?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Hofn, 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 Hofn?
Hofn 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 Hofn in the Summer?
Both Hofn 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.
In July, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Hofn. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Hofn fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Hofn. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Hofn 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hofn in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Hofn. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round.
It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. Zanzibar is much warmer than Hofn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Hofn fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Hofn receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Hofn. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Hofn 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hofn in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Hofn. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Hofn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Hofn averages at about -0°C (31°F).
It's quite rainy in Hofn. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in January than Hofn. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Hofn -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Hofn in the Spring?
Both Hofn and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.
Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Hofn. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Hofn fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Hofn. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Hofn 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Hofn and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Hofn | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 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.