Which place is cheaper, Manila 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 Manila?
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 Manila 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 Manila?
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.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Manila $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Manila is $106. 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 Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Manila $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Manila? 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 Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Manila $14
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila 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 $30Manila $31
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 Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Manila $19
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
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
- City tours zanzibar : $20
- Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
- Stone Town tour: $20
- Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
- Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
- Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
- Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Manila $9.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Manila, we can see that Manila 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 Manila is in Asia, 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila 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 Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Manila, 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 Manila?
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 Manila in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Manila. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Manila in the summer. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Manila. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Manila. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zanzibar in October average around 25°C (78°F), and Manila averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Manila. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Zanzibar is generally a little warmer than Manila. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Manila in the spring. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (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.