Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Varanasi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Varanasi 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 Varanasi 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: Varanasi or Zurich?
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
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 Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
-
Varanasi Prices
India PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVaranasi $31Zurich $347
The average daily cost (per person) in Varanasi is $31, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $347. 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 Varanasi and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVaranasi $14Zurich $188
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVaranasi $28Zurich $376
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Varanasi 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: Varanasi Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varanasi $4.35Zurich $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
-
Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.84
-
Rickshaw Ride$0.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Station to Hotel: $10
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $11
- Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $11
- Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $11
- Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12
- Varanasi Airport : Transfer to Hotel / To Airport: $13
- Varanasi Airport : Transfer To Hotel / To Airport: $21
- Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
- Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $43
- Airport Pickup/Drop Transfer Service: $53
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $70
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including transfers: $77
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:
- ZRH Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $51
- Zurich to Lucerne Private Direct 1-Way Transfer Service: $177
- Zurich to Basel 1-Way Private Car Transfer Service: $217
- Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer Service: $133
- Zurich Airport Transfer Service: $106
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Vals Thermal Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $160
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Badenweiler Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $160
- Zurich : Private Transfer To/From Airport and Zurich city: $112
- Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $77
- Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $80
- Transfer by Premium SUV Zurich Airport to or from Zurich City: $247
- Transfer From Zürich Airport To St. Gallen: $137
Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Varanasi 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 dayVaranasi $11Zurich $118
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner In Town$3.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: Highlights Tour with Tasting &Sunset in Varanasi: $14
- Cooking Class with Sona: $29
- Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner: $29
- Ganga Aarti with Street Food Tour of Varanasi: $40
- Half-Day Varanasi Village Tour with Cooking Class & Local Dining: $40
- Varanasi Cooking Classes with Shobha: $40
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
- Traditional Indian Cooking Class with Dinner: $42
- Private Street Food Tour with 8+ Tastings & Pickup: $44
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $44
- Varanasi Cooking Classes with Indu and Shobha: $50
- Dashashwamedh Ganga Arati from balcony with Street Food Tour: $50
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: $137
- Taste Zurich – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $182
- Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $186
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varanasi $9.24Zurich $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Boat Ride$0.74
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sunrise Boat Tour: $3.17
- Photo tour in holy Varanasi: $7.40
- Temple Walk Tour Varanasi: $11
- Cultural & Spiritual Trails of Old Town Varanasi Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $11
- Private Customizable Walking Tour with Local Guide: $11
- Classic 1 Day Private Guided Tour With Boat Ride: $11
- Mysticism of Varanasi with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Walking Tour): $12
- Cycle of Life, Death & Rebirth (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Explore the Old Varanasi City: Guided Walking Tour on foot: $12
- Exploring Varanasi Markets: Guided Tour with Local Guide: $12
- Varanasi Spiritual Trails: Guided Tour by Foot with a Local: $12
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $106
- Bern & Gruyeres Small Group Tour from Cheese & Chocolate: $279
- Bern Old Town & Emmental Cheese Tour from Zurich with Tastings: $192
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride: $69
- Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $99
- Chocolate Tour from Zürich Create Your Own Swiss Chocolate Bar: $207
- Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $106
- Christmas Walking Tour in Zürich: Exploring Holiday Charm: $50
- City e-bike tour: $48
- Dada at 110 Guided Tour Through Zurich: $43
- Day trip to Swiss Villages from Zurich - Small Group Tour by Car: $260
- Engelberg Day Tour from Zurich with Lucerne Stop: $94
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayVaranasi $6.91Zurich $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varanasi and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Varanasi 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 Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Varanasi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Varanasi Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Zurich?
Varanasi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Varanasi 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.
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.