Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zanzibar or Seoul?
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 Seoul 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 Seoul?
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.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
-
Zanzibar Prices
Tanzania PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $66Seoul $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $66, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $128. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $26Seoul $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $52Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Seoul? 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 Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $12Seoul $15
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
-
Subway Card$3.58
-
Short Taxi Ride$5.01
-
Metro Ride$0.97
-
Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
- Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport <-> Seoul (1-5 people): $99
- Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
- Private Airport Transfer Gimpo Intl Airport (GMP) to Seoul City: $83
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-12 pax): $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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 dayZanzibar $30Seoul $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
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
-
Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
-
Waffle$0.72
-
Dippin' Dots$1.43
-
Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
-
Chicken Stick$1.43
-
Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
-
Lunch Buffet$4.30
-
Donut$0.72
-
Mushroom Burger$3.72
-
Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
-
Udon & Sushi$5.01
-
Fresh Burger$3.44
-
Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
-
Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
-
Fried Rice$3.94
-
Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
-
Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
-
Donut$1.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
- Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
- Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Seoul $26
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets$5.73
-
Movie Ticket$5.73
-
Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour : $3.58
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Alternative A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
- [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
- Gwanghwamun Tour about Korean Society and Local Mindset: $11
- Street Hustle Adventure in Seoul: $11
- SPAREX Jjimjilbang Sauna Dongmyo branch Admission Ticket(내국인불가): $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Insa-dong(내국인불가): $12
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZanzibar $7.20Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zanzibar and Seoul, we can see that Seoul 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 Seoul 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Seoul, 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 Seoul?
Seoul 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 Seoul in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Seoul. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.
Seoul receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Seoul. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Seoul in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Seoul. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Zanzibar is much warmer than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in October than Seoul. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Seoul in the Winter?
Both Seoul and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
It's quite cold in Seoul in the winter. In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Seoul. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Seoul in the Spring?
Both Seoul 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. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the activities around the city.
In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Seoul. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Seoul. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 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) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.