Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Sigulda?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sigulda 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 Sigulda and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Sigulda or Zurich?
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.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySigulda €24Zurich €251
The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, 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 Sigulda and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSigulda €16Zurich €159
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSigulda €32Zurich €318
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Sigulda 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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sigulda -Zurich €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:
- Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes S Class 3pax: $179
- Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes V-Class 6pax: $168
- Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $138
- Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Private Car/Van: $95
- Davos: Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $601
- Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $138
- Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $95
- EnglishPrivate One Way Transfer Zurich Airport To Davos: $374
- From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $78
- From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $314
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich 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 €7.81Zurich €58
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
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.Sigulda -Zurich €33
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 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 daySigulda -Zurich €27
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 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 Sigulda and Zurich, we can see that Zurich 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 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 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 Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Zurich?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Zurich in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Zurich. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Sigulda is cooler than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sigulda in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In July, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Zurich. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 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 JulySigulda 17°C (63°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Zurich in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Zurich. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Sigulda is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 7°C (45°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Sigulda usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 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 OctoberSigulda 7°C (45°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Zurich in the Winter?
Both Zurich and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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. The weather in Sigulda can be very cold. Sigulda is much colder than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Zurich. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySigulda -5°C (23°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Zurich in the Spring?
Both Zurich and Sigulda during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Sigulda is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sigulda in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 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 AprilSigulda 5°C (42°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Sigulda
| Sigulda | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.