Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Zurich?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Zurich. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Zurich?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
Zurich
Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Zurich $271
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $271. 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 Beirut and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Zurich $171
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Zurich $342
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Beirut or Zurich? 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Zurich $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Zurich:Transfer and Ticket to Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum: $110
- Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $161
- Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $109
- One-Way Private Airport Transfer: $133
- 1-Way Private Transfer from the airport to Zurich: $190
- Zurich Private Airport and Hotels Transfer, One-way or Round-Trip: $148
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Zurich City: $110
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Lucerne: $254
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Greater Zurich Area: $110
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer from Greater Zurich Area: $110
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Lucerne: $320
- Zurich Airport: Private Lucerne Transfer by Mercedes: $395
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Beirut 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
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Food Meals for one dayBeirut $0.71Zurich $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$13
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Zurich $36
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Uncover Beirut's Divided Past: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $34
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
- Full-Day Private Tour to Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche: $50
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- (STTZ01) - Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour : $24
- 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $633
- 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $222
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $100
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $656
- Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $808
- Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $128
- Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $155
- Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $89
- Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
- Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Zurich $30
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $33
- Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Zurich 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Zurich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zurich than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Zurich?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Beirut and Zurich, 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 Beirut or Zurich?
Zurich has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or Zurich in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Zurich. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
Beirut is a little warmer than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the summer, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Zurich in the Autumn?
Both Zurich and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Beirut is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beirut in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Beirut usually receives less rain than Zurich. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Zurich in the Winter?
Both Zurich and Beirut during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Beirut is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 13°C (55°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Zurich. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Zurich in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.
Beirut is a little warmer than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Beirut usually receives less rain than Zurich. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Beirut
| Beirut | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.