Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Guilin or Zurich?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guilin and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Zurich?
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
-
Guilin Prices
China PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $90Zurich $346
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $90, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $346. 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 Guilin and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $37Zurich $187
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $74Zurich $374
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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: Guilin Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guilin $6.23Zurich $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
-
Taxi$2.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $15
- One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $22
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Yangshuo: $37
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Yangshuo: $37
- Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
- Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
-
City Pass (2)$31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Airport Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $95
- Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $100
- Arrival Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Private Car/Van: $100
- Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $100
- Hotel Transfers: Zurich Airport to/from Lucerne: $166
- Minivan or Sedan Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City: $87
- Premium Private Transfer Zurich to Luzern or (Vice Versa): $282
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $447
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $68
- Private Transfer Service from Zurich to Rheinfall Neuhaus: $292
- Private Transfer Zurich city to Zurich Airport ZRH by Minibus: $241
- Private Transfer Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Sedan: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Guilin 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 dayGuilin $42Zurich $118
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
-
Fresh Coconut Drink$1.49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $69
- Shantou Foodie Day Tour with Cooking Class: $199
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Boat and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
-
Breakfast for 2$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates: $172
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $30Zurich $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entrance to the Caves$18
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guilin English tour guide service: $15
- Guilin Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terrace 4 days tour: $21
- Guangzhou Gulong Canyon Private Day Trip with Tickets: $25
- Gulong Gorge Outdoor Adventure Park Ticket: $35
- City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $46
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Guilin Li River 4 Star Cruise and Yulong River Bamboo Raft Tour: $53
- 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill: $60
- GUILIN:kayaking adventure with local guide: $60
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.72
- Zurich Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $7.42
- Zurich Old Town Self Guided Tour of Saints and Sausages: $7.99
- Schaffhausen Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $8.59
- Zurich Historic Old Town Audio Self Guided Tour: $12
- Zurich's Heists and Robberies: A Self-Guided True Crime Tour: $12
- Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $15
- Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise: $27
- Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise: $27
- History of Money in Zurich Tour: $31
- City tour Archaeology in Zurich: $31
- City tour Zurich milieu: $31
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $6.19Zurich $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Turicum Distillery Tour: $80
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guilin is in Asia 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 Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guilin Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Zurich?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin or Zurich?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Guilin or Zurich in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Zurich. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Guilin is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).
Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guilin usually receives more rain than Zurich. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Zurich in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Zurich. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Guilin is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Guilin usually gets more rain in October than Zurich. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Zurich in the Winter?
Both Zurich and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. Guilin is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Guilin usually receives less rain than Zurich. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Zurich in the Spring?
Both Zurich and Guilin during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Guilin is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Zurich. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Guilin
| Guilin | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.