Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Zurich?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Zurich can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Islamabad or Zurich?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayIslamabad $42Zurich $271
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Zurich $171
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Zurich $342
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Zurich $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
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:
- ST. Moritz Luxury Private Transfer to Zurich Airport: $1,425
- SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT ZURIGO to MILANO MALPENSA: $1,094
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT MILANO MALPENSA TO ZURIGO: $1,094
- Switzerland: Private Transfer to Interlaken & Grindelwald: $994
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Scuol: $866
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Gstaad Saanen: $657
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Adelboden: $648
- TRANSFER VAN LUXURY DA AIRPORT ZURIGO A BASEL: $646
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Disentis: $643
- Privat Transfer Zurich Airport to Interlaken: $641
- Private Transfer Interlaken to Zurich Airport: $641
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Thun: $620
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Zurich $62
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.Islamabad $9.48Zurich $36
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
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 dayIslamabad $2.88Zurich $30
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 Islamabad and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamabad 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 Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Zurich?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Zurich?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Islamabad or Zurich in the Summer?
Both Zurich and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Zurich. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 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 JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Zurich in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Zurich. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Zurich. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 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 OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Zurich in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Zurich. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Zurich can be very cold during winter. Islamabad is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Zurich in the Spring?
Both Zurich and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Zurich. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 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 AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.