Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Savonlinna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Savonlinna or Zurich?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Savonlinna or Zurich? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Savonlinna or Zurich?
Savonlinna
Savonlinna is a town and a municipality of 35,504 inhabitants in the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region. The Finnish name of the town means "Castle of Savonia" and the Swedish name means "New Castle". The city was founded in 1639, based on Olavinlinna castle. Savonlinna is a historical borderland where the cultures and traditions of East and West meet. As the oldest town in Eastern Finland, Savonlinna is famous for its world class opera festival in the medieval castle surrounded by blue waters of Lake Saimaa. With its 100 year old steamships and unparalleled selection of experiences and activities, Savonlinna is a the real gem of Lakeland Finland.
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 Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySavonlinna €104Zurich €251
The average daily cost (per person) in Savonlinna is €104, while the average daily cost in Zurich is €251. 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 Savonlinna and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSavonlinna €53Zurich €159
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSavonlinna €106Zurich €318
Compare Hotels in Savonlinna and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Savonlinna 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: Savonlinna Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Savonlinna €39Zurich €33
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)€27
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
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Zurich Airport To/From Zurich: $65
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Vals Thermal Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $65
- Noumea Cruise Port to Noumea hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $71
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Badenweiler Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $76
- From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $78
- Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Business Car: $82
- Private Transfer From Hotel in Zurich To Zurich Airport: $87
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport To Hotel in Zurich: $87
- Private Zurich Transfer: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Savonlinna or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Savonlinna 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 daySavonlinna €27Zurich €58
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2€13
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Savonlinna €20Zurich €33
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySavonlinna €9.27Zurich €27
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 Savonlinna and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Savonlinna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Savonlinna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Savonlinna 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 Savonlinna.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Savonlinna Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Savonlinna or Zurich?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Savonlinna. When comparing the sizes of Savonlinna 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 Savonlinna 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 Savonlinna or Zurich in the Summer?
Both Zurich and Savonlinna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Savonlinna is generally cooler than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around 17°C (62°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 Savonlinna. Savonlinna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during summer. Savonlinna gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Zurich. Savonlinna gets 56 mm (2.2 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 JulySavonlinna 17°C (62°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Savonlinna or Zurich in the Autumn?
Both Zurich and Savonlinna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
The weather in Savonlinna can be very cold. Savonlinna is much colder than Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Savonlinna averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Savonlinna often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Savonlinna gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.
Savonlinna usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Savonlinna gets 64 mm (2.5 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 OctoberSavonlinna 4°C (40°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Savonlinna or Zurich in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Savonlinna and Zurich. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. It's quite cold in Savonlinna in the winter. In the winter, Savonlinna is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Savonlinna in January average around -11°C (13°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Savonlinna usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during winter. Savonlinna gets 34 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Savonlinna usually receives less rain than Zurich. Savonlinna gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySavonlinna -11°C (13°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Savonlinna or Zurich in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Savonlinna as well as Zurich. Additionally, many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Savonlinna. In April, Savonlinna is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Savonlinna average around 2°C (36°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Savonlinna often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Savonlinna gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.
Savonlinna usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Savonlinna gets 32 mm (1.3 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 AprilSavonlinna 2°C (36°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Savonlinna
| Savonlinna | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -11°C (13°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -9°C (15°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -4°C (24°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (48°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -1°C (30°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (20°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.