Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?
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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?
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.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesReykjavik Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Reykjavik $307
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $307. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Reykjavik $160
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Reykjavik $320
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Reykjavik $52
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 Taxi & Transfer Services – From Airport to All Resorts: $20
- Zanzibar Shared Departure Transfer: $56
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $40
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Paje Beach to the Airport: $44
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Nungwi Beach to the Airport: $44
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Nungwi Beach to the Airport: $40
- Zanzibar Private Departure Transfer from Michamvi Beach to the Airport: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $31
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $31
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $42
- Alesund : Private Transfer to/from Ålesund Airport and City: $117
- Arrival in Iceland - Private airport transfer from KEF Airport: $125
- Bláfjöll to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- Blue Lagoon Admission Including Return Transfers from Reykjavik: $206
- Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $209
- Blue Lagoon Private Transfer To and From Reykjavik/Keflavik: $155
- Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $51
- Blue Lagoon Transfer from/to Keflavik International Airport: $58
- Cruise Port Private Transfer To and From Reykjavik Keflavik : $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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 $30Reykjavik $60
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 Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$204
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $143
- The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $145
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
- Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Reykjavik $83
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$12
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Wine and Spa$34
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Reykjavik Viking Roots to Modern Marvels Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Settlement and Egils Saga Exhibition Ticket: $30
- Northern Lights: Aurora Basecamp Observatory Guided Experience: $30
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: $32
- Saga Museum - Entrance ticket: $32
- Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon Self-Guided Driving Tour: $34
- Reykjavik Escape Game Experience - Prison Break 1: $45
- Reykjavík Shared Tuk Tuk Tour: $50
- Walking tour of Reykjavik city: $51
- Lava Show Reykjavik Admission Ticket - Optional Premium Upgrade : $55
- Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland: $55
- Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Downtown Reykjavík: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Reykjavik $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$10
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller: $35
- Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Reykjavik?
Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Reykjavik. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Zanzibar is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Reykjavik in the Winter?
Both Reykjavik 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Zanzibar is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Reykjavik. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Zanzibar is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 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 Reykjavik. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.