Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Pokhara?
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 Pokhara 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 Pokhara and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pokhara or Zurich?
Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Pokhara Prices
Nepal PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPokhara $22Zurich $366
The average daily cost (per person) in Pokhara is $22, 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 Pokhara and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPokhara $3.43Zurich $199
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPokhara $6.86Zurich $398
Compare Hotels in Pokhara and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Pokhara 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: Pokhara Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pokhara $6.70Zurich $42
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- Airport Transfer by Private Car: $11
- Transfer To Kathmandu (VIP Sofa Tourist Bus) & Back: $12
- Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
- Pokhara ↔️ Kathmandu: VIP Luxury Sofa Bus Transfer (Rainbow): $16
- Annapurna Foothills Day Hike with Transfers: $38
- Intercity transfer by private car all over Nepal: $54
- From Private Car Transfer To Chitwan: $59
- Comfortable Private Transfer from Pokhara to Chitwan: $66
- Private Transfer:- Pokhara to Chitwan (Sauraha) by car: $68
- Half Day Pokhara White Water River Rafting with Hotel Transfers: $70
- Bandipur to Kathmandu Private Car Service | Best Private Transfer: $70
- White Water Rafting Half Day with Hotel Transfers: $70
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:
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $98
- Airport Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $98
- Airport Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $105
- Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Van: $105
- Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $102
- Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $103
- Eco Minivan or Sedan Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City: $89
- English Speaking Zurich to Basel Private Car Transfer: $153
- Luxury Private Chauffeur and Airport Transfer in Zurich: $192
- Premium Private Transfer Zurich to Luzern or (Vice Versa): $288
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $447
- Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Winterthur: $277
Is it cheaper to fly into Pokhara or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Pokhara 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 dayPokhara $12Zurich $125
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
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Dinner for Two$3.95
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Dessert (for 2)$2.63
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Pastries$1.32
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Dinner$5.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
- Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $26
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $29
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $29
- 3 Hour MoMo cooking class: $31
- Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $42
- 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
- Thakali food Cooking Class in Pokhara: $50
- Nepali Cooking Class in Pokhara with a Local Family: $60
- 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $70
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
- Tour with Dinner to Trout Fish Farm - Bhujung River: $98
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: $177
- Taste Zurich – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $188
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pokhara $6.38Zurich $42
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sarangkot Sunrise with Half or Full-Day City Tour: $7.47
- From Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $7.84
- Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas: Tour 3 hour private tour: $9.16
- Guided Evening Walking Tour in Lakeside: $9.52
- Visit Best Seven Tourist Destination by Sharing Bus: $9.52
- Paragliding, Bungy Jump and Zipline Combo Adventure: $10
- City Sightseeing Group Budget Bus Tour: $10
- City Sightseeing Group Bus Tour: $10
- Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Group Joining Tour: $10
- Peace Pagoda Sunset, Annapurna Mountain Views Tour: $11
- Pokhara to Chitwan Sauraha Tourist Bus Sofa seater: $11
- Full-Day Sharing Bus Tour on 7 Iconic Destination: $11
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: $5.90
- Zurich Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h45 and 20 audio reviews: $6.96
- St Gallen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.42
- Stein am Rhein Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
- Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
- St. Gallen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
- 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
- Private Tour of Zurich in 60 minutes with a Local: $32
- City tour Zurich milieu: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPokhara $5.76Zurich $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pokhara and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pokhara is in Asia 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 Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara 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 Pokhara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pokhara Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pokhara or Zurich?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Pokhara 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.
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.