A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Suzhou vs. Zurich for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Suzhou or Zurich?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Suzhou and Zurich can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Suzhou or Zurich?

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Suzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Suzhou is $133, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $355. 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 Suzhou and Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Suzhou $41
    Zurich $192
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Suzhou $82
    Zurich $384
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Suzhou 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.

Hotels in Suzhou


Hotels in Zurich


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: Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Suzhou $61
    Zurich $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
  • Private Departure Transfer to Suzhou Train Station from City Hotel: $44
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Suzhou Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $88
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town: $90
  • Private Transfer to Hangzhou City from Suzhou: $113
  • Suzhou Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $120

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer to Zurich/Lucerne/Interlaken: $48
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $69
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $69
  • Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $78
  • Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $81
  • Private Transfer Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Sedan: $87
  • Eco Minivan or Sedan Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City: $87
  • Private Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Sedan: $87
  • Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $96
  • Airport Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $96
  • Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $101
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $101

Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich and Suzhou 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Suzhou $60
    Zurich $121

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $58
  • Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
  • Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145

Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $15

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: $174
  • Taste Zurich – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Suzhou $9.94
    Zurich $40

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • Suzhou Canglang Pavilion Admission Ticket: $7.00
  • Suzhou Lingering Garden Admission Ticket: $15
  • Suzhou Tiger Hill Admission Ticket: $15
  • Suzhou Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
  • Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
  • Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $22
  • Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $58
  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $65
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options: $72
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
  • Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $80
  • Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • Zurich Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h45 and 20 audio reviews: $6.84
  • Stein am Rhein Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.83
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $18
  • Zurichs Powerful Women Tour: $25
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $32
  • Zurich 1 Hour Scenic Lake Cruise Ticket: $33
  • Last Minute Ticket to Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum: $37
  • Swiss Chocolate Walking Tour of Zurich: $39
  • Zürich Historic District Tour: $42
  • Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum last minutes Ticket: $45
  • Zurich Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket: $46
  • City e-bike tour: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Suzhou $6.82
    Zurich $33


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Suzhou and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Suzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Suzhou 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 Suzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Suzhou 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 Suzhou.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Suzhou Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Zurich?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou 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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Suzhou is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Suzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Zurich. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. Suzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich during summer. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Suzhou. In July, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Zurich. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich and Suzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Suzhou is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 19°C (65°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Suzhou often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.

Suzhou usually gets less rain in October than Zurich. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Zurich. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Suzhou is a little warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Suzhou usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during winter. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Zurich. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Zurich. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Suzhou is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Suzhou in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Suzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.

Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Suzhou usually gets more rain in April than Zurich. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Suzhou

Suzhou Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)