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

Should you visit Tampere 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 Tampere and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Tampere or Zurich?

Tampere

Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.

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 10-Day Tours from Helsinki, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Finland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Tampere?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampere is €148, 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 Tampere and Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampere 80
    Zurich 159
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampere 160
    Zurich 318
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Tampere 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 Tampere


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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampere 59
    Zurich 33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere

Also for Tampere, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $87
  • Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport: $1,577

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

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


  • City Pass (2)
    27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • ST. Moritz Luxury Private Transfer to Zurich Airport: $1,411
  • SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT ZURIGO to MILANO MALPENSA: $1,083
  • TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT MILANO MALPENSA TO ZURIGO: $1,083
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Scuol: $857
  • Switzerland: Private Transfer to Interlaken & Grindelwald: $809
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Gstaad Saanen: $651
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Adelboden: $642
  • TRANSFER VAN LUXURY DA AIRPORT ZURIGO A BASEL: $640
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Disentis: $636
  • Private Transfer Interlaken to Zurich Airport: $634
  • Privat Transfer Zurich Airport to Interlaken: $634
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Thun: $613

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich and Tampere 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
    Tampere 33
    Zurich 58

Typical Food Prices in Zurich

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


  • Breakfast for 2
    13

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampere 24
    Zurich 33

Tours and Activities in Tampere

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.

  • Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $180
  • Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $523
  • Enchanting Tampere Romantic Walking Tour: $659

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $627
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $224
  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $101
  • Adventure to Mount Pilatus Gold and Silver tour: $157
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $650
  • Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $799
  • Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $129
  • Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $124
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
  • Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $87
  • Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampere 10
    Zurich 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 Tampere and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Tampere much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tampere would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tampere 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 Tampere.

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


Which is Bigger, Tampere or Zurich?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Tampere. When comparing the sizes of Tampere 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 Tampere or Zurich?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tampere or Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich and Tampere during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tampere is cooler than Zurich in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampere. In the summer, Tampere often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zurich. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets less rain in July than Zurich. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampere 16°C (61°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Zurich. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tampere is much colder than Zurich. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampere in October average around 5°C (42°F), and Zurich averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during autumn. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampere usually receives less rain than Zurich. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampere 5°C (42°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Zurich. Additionally, 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 Tampere can be very cold. In January, Tampere is generally much colder than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around -7°C (19°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Zurich. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets less rain in January than Zurich. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampere -7°C (19°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Tampere in the spring. Tampere is much colder than Zurich in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Tampere usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during spring. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampere usually receives less rain than Zurich. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampere 3°C (38°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Tampere

Tampere Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -4°C (24°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)