Which place is cheaper, Zermatt or Sigulda?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sigulda 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 Sigulda and Zermatt can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Sigulda or Zermatt?
Sigulda
Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySigulda €24Zermatt €209
The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, while the average daily cost in Zermatt is €209. 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 Sigulda and Zermatt in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSigulda €16Zermatt €118
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSigulda €32Zermatt €236
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Zermatt
Looking for a hotel in Sigulda 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.
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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Zermatt Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sigulda -Zermatt €50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:
- 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235
- Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
- Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
- Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Zermatt?
Prices for flights to both Zermatt and Sigulda 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 daySigulda €7.81Zermatt €53
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:
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Pastry€1.85
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sigulda -Zermatt €53
Tours and Activities in Sigulda
Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
- Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
- From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
- Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218
Tours and Activities in Zermatt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:
- Sion Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $51
- Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $63
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Ticket: $104
- Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train Ticket: $108
- Tapas tour in Zermatt: $111
- Alpine Village Tour 2 hours: $126
- Mount Gornergrat: Zermatt's Spectacular Summit Ticket: $152
- Ticket for Zermatt Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: $154
- Majestic Matterhorn: Zermatt to Glacier Paradise Cableway Ticket: $181
- Mount Gornergrat Spectacular Summit Train Ticket: $183
- Romance and Charms of Zermatt – Walking Tour: $221
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySigulda -Zermatt €26
Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:
- Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144
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 Sigulda and Zermatt, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Sigulda.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sigulda Expensive? and Is Zermatt Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Zermatt?
Sigulda has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Zermatt?
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 Sigulda or Zermatt in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Zermatt. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.
Sigulda is cooler than Zermatt in the summer. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Zermatt fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySigulda 17°C (63°F)Zermatt 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Zermatt in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as 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 the autumn, Sigulda is much colder than Zermatt. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sigulda in October average around 7°C (45°F), and Zermatt averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Zermatt. Sigulda usually gets less rain in October than Zermatt. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSigulda 7°C (45°F)Zermatt 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Zermatt in the Winter?
Both Zermatt and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Sigulda. In January, Sigulda is generally much colder than Zermatt. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around -5°C (23°F), and Zermatt fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Zermatt. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySigulda -5°C (23°F)Zermatt 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Zermatt in the Spring?
Both Zermatt and Sigulda during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Sigulda is much colder than Zermatt in the spring. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 5°C (42°F) in April, and Zermatt fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Zermatt. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zermatt receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSigulda 5°C (42°F)Zermatt 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Zermatt and Sigulda
| Sigulda | Zermatt | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.