Cape Town vs Zanzibar: Cost of Living Compared

Zanzibar is roughly 59% cheaper overall — about $889 versus $1,412 per month for a single person. A city-centre one-bedroom averages $151 in Zanzibar against $1,014 in Cape Town. Zanzibar scores higher on safety (62 vs 38/100). Internet is faster in Cape Town (48 vs 21 Mbps).

City Comparer

Cape Town, South Africa
Cape TownSouth Africa
Zanzibar, Tanzania
ZanzibarTanzania
80%overall match
Cape Town leads in sportsZanzibar leads in rainy daysCape Town leads in surfing
💰Cost🛡️Safety☀️Weather🎭Culture🏄Activities🌐Internet
Cape TownZanzibar
Daily Cost$47/day
$30/day
Monthly Cost$1,412
$889
Rent$1,014
$151
Safety38
62
Healthcare69
45
Air Quality69
90
Tourist Safety35
55
Disaster Risk20
20
Winter High61°F
82°F
Summer High76°F
90°F
Sunny Days337
351
Rainy Days94
217
Nightlife47
25
Food75
55
Culture55
55
Coffee Culture75
30
Veg Friendly48
35
Late Night2/6
1/6
Cleanliness55
30
Green Spaces80
60
Hiking82
50
Beaches75
90
Surfing75
25
Skiing0
0
Diving60
75
Yoga55
45
Running70
25
Sports72
15
Bikeability25
10
Internet48 Mbps
21 Mbps
Transit35
15
Walkability35
35
Cowork Spaces35
5
Power Reliability70
48

Cape Town vs Zanzibar FAQ

Is Cape Town or Zanzibar cheaper to live in?

Zanzibar is cheaper — about $889 per month versus $1,412, a difference of roughly 59%.

Is Cape Town or Zanzibar safer?

Zanzibar scores higher: 62/100 versus 38/100.

Which has faster internet, Cape Town or Zanzibar?

Cape Town — median download speeds are 48 Mbps versus 21 Mbps.