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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Malmo?

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 Malmo 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 Malmo?

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.

Malmo

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo 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 Malmo is $115. 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 Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $26
    Malmo $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $52
    Malmo $110
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Malmo? 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 Malmo


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 Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $12
    Malmo $9.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:

  • Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kiwengwa: $65
  • Premium Transfer from Zanzibar Airport ⇋ Kendwa: $65
  • Jozani Forest Guided Tour, Red Colobus and transfer: $67
  • Zanzibar transfers and Taxi: $35
  • Zanzibar taxi service/airport transfer: $60
  • Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $56
  • Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $44
  • Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $40
  • Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Nungwi Beach to the Airport: $40
  • Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Nungwi Beach to the Airport: $44
  • Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Michamvi Beach to the Airport: $40
  • Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Kendwa Beach to the Airport: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

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


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $58
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $106
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo 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
    Malmo $51

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 Malmo

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

  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Malmo $18

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 Malmo

For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Old Town Helsingborg: Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour: $7.20
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $8.63
  • The Headless Horseman in Malmö: A self-guided walking tour game: $8.63
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket: $24
  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Guided Walking Tour in Malmö: $39
  • Malmö Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $7.20
    Malmo $41


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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Malmo?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Malmo, 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 Malmo?

Malmo 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 Malmo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Malmo. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malmo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Malmo. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Malmo in the Autumn?

Both Malmo and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year.

Zanzibar is much warmer than Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Malmo. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Malmo in the Winter?

Both Malmo and Zanzibar during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Malmo. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).

It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Malmo. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Malmo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Malmo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Malmo during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

Zanzibar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Malmo. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)