Tanzania · tool
How much does Zanzibar cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Zanzibar trip before you book anything.
Zanzibar, Tanzania travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
Hostels, street food, public transit
Hostel dorms or basic guesthouses in Stone Town or smaller villages.
Street food, local eateries (vibandas), and markets like Forodhani Gardens night market.
Dala-dalas (local minibuses) for inter-village travel, walking within towns.
Exploring Stone Town on foot, relaxing on public beaches, swimming.
Water, snacks, small souvenirs.
Mid-range
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, or Airbnb apartments.
Mix of local restaurants and tourist-oriented cafes and restaurants.
Taxis for shorter distances, occasional private hire for day trips.
Spice tours, Prison Island boat trip, snorkeling excursions.
Buffer for unexpected costs or small purchases.
Luxury
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Luxury resorts, high-end villas, or 4-5 star hotels.
Fine dining restaurants, resort dining, tasting menus.
Private airport transfers, private car hire for tours, water taxis.
Private guided tours, diving trips, sunset dhow cruises, spa treatments.
Shopping for high-quality crafts, personal services.
Destination-specific money tips
- •USD is king for tourists; carry smaller denominations for ease of payment, especially outside Stone Town.
- •ATMs in Stone Town can be unreliable; withdraw larger amounts when you find a working one, and be aware of potential fees from your bank.
- •Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory; 10% is a good guideline for good service in restaurants and for guides.
- •Be prepared for 'Zanzibar time' – prices can be inflated for tourists; polite negotiation is common for taxis and market goods.
- •Local SIM cards are cheap and readily available at the airport or in town for data, which is useful for navigation and communication.
Plan the rest of your Zanzibar trip
Trip budgets elsewhere