A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lulea vs. Zermatt for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lulea or Zermatt?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lulea and Zermatt 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: Lulea or Zermatt?

Lulea

Lulea is in northern Sweden, in Norrbotten. It's a mid sized city with about 70,000 residents. It also has a technical university, the Lulea University of Technology, which was created in 1971. The city of Lulea is located at the mouth of Lule River on the Gulf of Bothnia. The city's economy is focused on research, education, trade and services. The university's educational programs appeal to new businesses that range from local companies to multinational corporations. There is also a prominant IT sector in the city.

Zermatt

Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss village best known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities. It has become a popular mountain resort town due to its location and also features a number of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the vacationers who come to enjoy the many winter activities of the Alps.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Adventure Tours to Sweden, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zermatt or Lulea?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lulea is $105, while the average daily cost in Zermatt is $223. 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 Lulea and Zermatt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lulea $55
    Zermatt $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lulea $110
    Zermatt $252
Compare Hotels in Lulea and Zermatt

Looking for a hotel in Lulea or Zermatt? 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.

Hotels in Lulea


Hotels in Zermatt


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: Lulea Hotel Prices and Zermatt Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lulea $21
    Zermatt $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:

  • 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235
  • Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
  • Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
  • Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
  • Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141

Is it cheaper to fly into Lulea or Zermatt?

Prices for flights to both Zermatt and Lulea 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 day
    Lulea $35
    Zermatt $57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zermatt

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.

  • Evening Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lulea $16
    Zermatt $56

Tours and Activities in Zermatt

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:

  • Sion Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $51
  • Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $63
  • Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Ticket: $104
  • Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train Ticket: $108
  • Tapas tour in Zermatt: $111
  • Alpine Village Tour 2 hours: $126
  • Mount Gornergrat: Zermatt's Spectacular Summit Ticket: $152
  • Ticket for Zermatt Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: $154
  • Majestic Matterhorn: Zermatt to Glacier Paradise Cableway Ticket: $181
  • Mount Gornergrat Spectacular Summit Train Ticket: $183
  • Romance and Charms of Zermatt – Walking Tour: $221

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lulea $18
    Zermatt $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Zermatt

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:

  • Wine Tasting in Valais: $84


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lulea and Zermatt, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Lulea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lulea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lulea 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt than you might in Lulea.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lulea Expensive? and Is Zermatt Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lulea or Zermatt?

Lulea has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Lulea and Zermatt, 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 Lulea or Zermatt?

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 Lulea or Zermatt in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lulea and Zermatt. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lulea is cooler than Zermatt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lulea in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Zermatt averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zermatt this time of the year. In Lulea, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lulea usually receives more sunshine than Zermatt during summer. Lulea gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Lulea usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Lulea gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lulea 15°C (60°F) 
    Zermatt 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Zermatt in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lulea as well as Zermatt. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lulea can be very cold during autumn. In October, Lulea is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Lulea average around 2°C (36°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Lulea often gets less sunshine than Zermatt. Lulea gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. Lulea usually gets less rain in October than Zermatt. Lulea gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lulea 2°C (36°F) 
    Zermatt 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Zermatt in the Winter?

Both Zermatt and Lulea are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zermatt in the winter. The weather in Lulea can be very cold. Lulea is much colder than Zermatt in the winter. The daily temperature in Lulea averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Lulea usually receives less sunshine than Zermatt during winter. Lulea gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lulea usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Lulea gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lulea -12°C (10°F) 
    Zermatt 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Zermatt in the Spring?

Both Zermatt and Lulea during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Lulea in the spring. In the spring, Lulea is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lulea in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Zermatt averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Lulea often gets more sunshine than Zermatt. Lulea gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Lulea usually gets less rain in April than Zermatt. Lulea gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lulea -1°C (31°F) 
    Zermatt 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Lulea

Lulea Zermatt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)