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

Should you visit Lulea 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 Lulea 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: Lulea or Zurich?

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.

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 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, Zurich 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 Zurich is $268. 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 Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lulea $55
    Zurich $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lulea $110
    Zurich $340
Compare Hotels in Lulea and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Lulea 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.

Hotels in Lulea


Hotels in Zurich


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 Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lulea $21
    Zurich $36

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes S Class 3pax: $179
  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes V-Class 6pax: $168
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $138
  • Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Private Car/Van: $95
  • Davos: Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $601
  • Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $138
  • Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $95
  • EnglishPrivate One Way Transfer Zurich Airport To Davos: $374
  • From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $78
  • From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $314
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257

Is it cheaper to fly into Lulea or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich 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
    Zurich $62

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.
    Lulea $16
    Zurich $36

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: $3.21
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.47
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lulea $18
    Zurich $29

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: $31
  • eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich: $129


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lulea and Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 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 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 Zurich Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lulea or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lulea. When comparing the sizes of Lulea 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 Lulea 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 Lulea or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lulea and Zurich. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lulea is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Lulea average around 15°C (60°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In Lulea, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lulea usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during summer. Lulea gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lulea usually receives less rain than Zurich. Lulea gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lulea 15°C (60°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lulea as well as Zurich. Additionally, many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lulea. Lulea is much colder than Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lulea averages around 2°C (36°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Lulea often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Lulea gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

Lulea usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Lulea gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lulea 2°C (36°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Lulea are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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. Lulea can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lulea is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lulea in January average around -12°C (10°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Lulea usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during winter. Lulea gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lulea usually receives less rain than Zurich. Lulea gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lulea -12°C (10°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Lulea during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

Lulea can be very cold during spring. In April, Lulea is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Lulea average around -1°C (31°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Lulea often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Lulea gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

Lulea usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Lulea gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lulea -1°C (31°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Lulea

Lulea Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)