Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Petra or Zurich?
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 Petra and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Zurich?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Zurich $366
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $366. 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 Petra and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Zurich $199
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Zurich $398
Compare Hotels in Petra and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Zurich $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Petra to Madaba – Safe & Comfortable Ride: $140
- Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
- Fast and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Ma’in Hot Springs: $180
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:
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City Pass (2)$33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $71
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $71
- Private Zurich Airport Transfers to and from Zurich Hotels: $71
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
- Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer: $79
- Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $79
- Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $83
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Arrival Transfer: $83
- Private Transfer from Zurich Hotels to Zurich Airport: $85
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Sedan: $89
- From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $91
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Petra 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
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Food Meals for one dayPetra $66Zurich $125
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates: $178
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Zurich $42
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Private 3-Hour Petra Tour: The Treasury & Main Ancient Highlights: $75
- Tour Jordan: Private Driver – Customized Travel Experience!: $95
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Wadi Rum Private Guided Tour: $105
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.92
- Zurich Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h45 and 20 audio reviews: $6.98
- St Gallen Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.44
- Stein am Rhein Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.06
- Zurich Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.06
- Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.06
- Zurich Historic Old Town Audio Self Guided Tour: $12
- Zurich Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
- TOP Zurich : Private guided tour with your mobile: $12
- Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $19
- Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $32
- Last Minute Ticket to Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Zurich $34
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 Zurich: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra 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 Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Petra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Zurich?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Zurich?
Zurich has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Petra or Zurich in the Summer?
Both Zurich and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), 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 Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Zurich. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Petra or Zurich in the Autumn?
Both Zurich and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Petra is much warmer than Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Petra or Zurich in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Zurich. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Petra or Zurich in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Zurich. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Petra
| Petra | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.