Cost of Living in Zanzibar
How much does it cost to visit Zanzibar? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
TZS 60000
per day
Weekly: TZS 420000
Monthly: TZS 1800000
Examples
- 🏨Kopje House Hostel dorm bedTZS 15000
- 🍽️Local street food near Forodhani Gardens (e.g., Zanzibari pizza, grilled seafood)TZS 15000
- 🚌Dala dala (local bus) to Stone Town attractionsTZS 5000
- 🎟️Explore Stone Town on foot, visit the Old Fort, Slave Market MemorialTZS 5000
- 🎟️Relax at a public beach like Forodhani BeachTZS 0
- 🍽️Chapati and tea from a local stallTZS 5000
- 🚌Walking within Stone TownTZS 0
- 🏨Dinner at a local eatery in Stone TownTZS 15000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
TZS 150000
per day
Weekly: TZS 1050000
Monthly: TZS 4500000
Examples
- 🏨Tembo House Hotel standard roomTZS 50000
- 🍽️Lunch at Lukmaan Restaurant for authentic Zanzibari dishesTZS 20000
- 🚌Taxi for a half-day tour of Stone Town and nearby sightsTZS 30000
- 🎟️Spice Tour including tastings and explanationsTZS 25000
- 🎟️Visit the House of Wonders and the Palace MuseumTZS 10000
- 🍽️Dinner at Emerson Spice Tea HouseTZS 15000
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
TZS 400000
per day
Weekly: TZS 2800000
Monthly: TZS 12000000
Examples
- 🏨The Residence Zanzibar, private villaTZS 250000
- 🍽️Fine dining lunch at The Rock RestaurantTZS 50000
- 🚌Private car with driver for the full dayTZS 50000
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Stone Town, including hidden alleys and historical sitesTZS 30000
- 🎟️Sunset Dhow Cruise with drinks and canapésTZS 40000
- 🍽️Gourmet dinner at a restaurant in Stone Town with ocean viewsTZS 30000
Cost by Category
accommodation
30,000-150,000 TZS
food
20,000-60,000 TZS
Transport
10,000-30,000 TZS
activities
20,000-100,000 TZS
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Town | Mid-range | At center | first-timers, culture |
| Nungwi | Luxury | Above center | beach lovers, couples |
| Paje | Mid-range | Below center | beach lovers, solo travelers |
| Kendwa | Luxury | Above center | couples, families |
Money-Saving Tips for Zanzibar
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Zanzibar Costs
How much does it cost to visit Zanzibar?
Budget travellers can visit Zanzibar for around TZS 60000/day (TZS 420000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget TZS 150000/day, while luxury travel costs around TZS 400000/day.
Is Zanzibar expensive?
Zanzibar is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least TZS 60000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Zanzibar?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Zanzibar, budget TZS 150000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Zanzibar?
Budget travellers in Zanzibar can get by on TZS 60000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.