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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Zermatt?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Zermatt can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Zermatt?

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

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 Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zermatt or Pamukkale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, 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 Pamukkale and Zermatt in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Zermatt $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Zermatt $252
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Zermatt

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale


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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Zermatt Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Zermatt $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
  • Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
  • Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Zermatt?

Prices for flights to both Zermatt and Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $69
    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.
    Pamukkale $54
    Zermatt $56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $2.01

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
  • Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
  • Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
  • From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
  • Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
  • From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
  • Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $67
  • Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $71
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
  • Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $81
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85

Tours and Activities in Zermatt

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

  • Basel Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $885
  • Basel: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $1,067
  • Bern Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $856
  • Bern Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
  • Bern: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $984
  • From Basel: Zermatt and Mt. Gornergrat Small Group Tour: $530
  • From Bern: Zermatt Guided Tour with Matterhorn Railway Pass: $530
  • From Zurich: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise Private Tour: $885
  • Interlaken Private Tour to Gornergrat & Matterhorn Paradise: $1,026
  • Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $843
  • Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
  • Majestic Hiking Private Tour in Zermatt with pick up: $1,692

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    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 Pamukkale and Zermatt, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Pamukkale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pamukkale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale.

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Zermatt?

Pamukkale has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Zermatt?

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 Pamukkale or Zermatt in the Summer?

Both Zermatt and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.

In the summer, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Zermatt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Zermatt averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Zermatt. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 250 hours of full sun.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Zermatt. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Zermatt 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Zermatt in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Zermatt. Also, many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Zermatt during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Zermatt 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Zermatt in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Zermatt. Also, many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. Pamukkale is much warmer than Zermatt in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Zermatt. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zermatt receives 119 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Zermatt. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Zermatt 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Zermatt in the Spring?

Both Zermatt and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Zermatt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Zermatt averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Zermatt during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Zermatt receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. In April, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Zermatt 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zermatt and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Zermatt
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)