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

Should you visit Minsk or Zurich?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk 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: Minsk or Zurich?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Minsk?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, 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 Minsk and Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minsk $32
    Zurich $170
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minsk $64
    Zurich $340
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Minsk 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 Minsk


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: Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minsk $12
    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:

  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer From Hotel To Zurich Airport or Vice Versa: $56
  • Noumea Cruise Port to Noumea hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $71
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $76
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Business Car: $82
  • 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
  • Departure Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich and Minsk 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
    Minsk $21
    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.
    Minsk $20
    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: $3.20
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.49
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.34
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.39
  • Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.51
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Highlights Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $14
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minsk $14
    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
  • Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $156


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minsk and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minsk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minsk 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 Minsk.

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


Which is Bigger, Minsk or Zurich?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk 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 Minsk or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Minsk is cooler than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Zurich. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minsk. Minsk usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during summer. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minsk usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zurich. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minsk 19°C (66°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Minsk during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Minsk is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Minsk in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minsk 8°C (47°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Zurich. 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. Minsk can be very cold during winter. In January, Minsk is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around -5°C (22°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during winter. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minsk usually receives less rain than Zurich. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minsk -5°C (22°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Zurich. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

Minsk is cooler than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Minsk often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minsk 8°C (46°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Minsk

Minsk Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)