Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Jerusalem or Zurich?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Zurich, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Zurich?
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $108Zurich $271
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, 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 Jerusalem and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $64Zurich $171
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $128Zurich $342
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.74Zurich $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Local Bus$3.17
-
Light Rail Jerusalem$9.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
- Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
- Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Allaenby Bridge: $105
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
- VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
- Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $150
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
-
City Pass (2)$29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Private Transfer From Hotel To Zurich Airport or Vice Versa: $56
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Zurich Airport To/From Zurich: $65
- Noumea Cruise Port to Noumea hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $71
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $76
- Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Business Car: $82
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Grindelwald/Wengen - Arrival Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer From Hotel in Zurich To Zurich Airport: $88
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport To Hotel in Zurich: $88
- Private Zurich Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
- Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Jerusalem 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 dayJerusalem $32Zurich $62
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Orange Juice$2.69
-
Watermelon$4.04
-
Lunch$12
-
Food at Market$15
-
Juice$2.69
-
Bagels$8.07
-
Lunch for 2$15
-
Snacks$5.65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
- Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
-
Breakfast for 2$13
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.55Zurich $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Cooking Classes for 2$34
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
- In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
- Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
- Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
- Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
- Guided Walking Tour of the Old City: $30
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
- Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30
- Old City Highlights Tour: $39
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.52
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
- Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.46
- Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
- Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.60
- Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Zurich $30
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
-
Beer$4.84
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 Jerusalem and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Zurich?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Zurich?
Zurich has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Jerusalem or Zurich in the Summer?
Both Zurich and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Zurich. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Zurich. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Zurich in the Autumn?
Both Zurich and Jerusalem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Jerusalem is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Zurich in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Jerusalem is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Zurich. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Zurich in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Zurich. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In the spring, Jerusalem is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.