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

Should you visit Zanzibar or Zadar?

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 Zadar 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 Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is $129. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zanzibar $26
    Zadar $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zanzibar $52
    Zadar $120
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zanzibar $12
    Zadar $11

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 Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Hiking experience on the Krupa River : incl. transfer & lunch: $154
  • Modern bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Zadar: $40
  • Privat transfer to Novalja: $157
  • Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $106
  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $67
  • Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $199
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $286
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $74
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $67
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $286
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Novalja: $299
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Pag Island: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $57

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 Zadar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zadar.

  • Morning Zadar Food Tour: $142
  • Preko Cooking Class and Shellfishing Experience with a Local: $190
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zanzibar $13
    Zadar $23

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
  • Stone Town tour: $20
  • Zanzibar stone town city tour: $20
  • Zanzibar Green Tour Park Experience: $20
  • Stone Town Historical & Cultural Walking Adventure – Zanzibar: $20
  • 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $20
  • City tours zanzibar : $20
  • Guided Stone Town Tour In Zanzibar: $24
  • Stone Town Tour, Historical & Cultural Landmarks in - Zanzibar: $24

Tours and Activities in Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Local Craft Beer Tasting Experience: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Zadar's Medieval Heart: $12
  • Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Zadar Old Town Walking Tour: $18
  • Zadar Walking Tour sponsored by Gligora Cheese and deli.: $18
  • Look Around Zadar - Don't Look Up: Cinematic and Musical Sunset Walking Tour: $19
  • Islands Tour in Zadar by Speedboat: $23
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $24
  • Half Day Island Hopping Tour With Snorkeling : $24
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $24
  • 3 Island Tour Swim and Snorkel with Drinks on Traditional Boat: $24
  • Island half day tour : $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zanzibar $7.20
    Zadar $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Zadar

Also in Zadar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Brlog Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting : $30
  • Guided Speedboat Tour with Food, Oil & Wine Tasting: $42
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $78
  • City Tour with Educational Beer Tour in Brlog Brewery: $94
  • City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $107


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


Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Zadar?

Zanzibar has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

Zadar 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 Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Zadar. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zadar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (77°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during summer. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Zadar. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zanzibar 25°C (77°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Zadar. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Zanzibar is a little warmer than Zadar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zanzibar this time of the year. In the autumn, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Zanzibar usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zanzibar 25°C (78°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar 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 winter months attract visitors to Zadar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Zanzibar is much warmer than Zadar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zanzibar in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Zadar averages at about 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zanzibar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zanzibar 28°C (82°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Zanzibar or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar 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, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

In April, Zanzibar is generally much warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 27°C (81°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Zanzibar often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zanzibar. Zanzibar usually gets more rain in April than Zadar. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zanzibar 27°C (81°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Zanzibar

Zanzibar Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)