Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Zurich?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Zurich, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Vientiane or Zurich?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, 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 dayVientiane $15Zurich $271
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $271. 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 Vientiane and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.00Zurich $171
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Zurich $342
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Zurich $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
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)$29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Private Transfer From Hotel To Zurich Airport or Vice Versa: $56
- Private One-way Airport Transfer Zurich Airport To/From Zurich: $65
- Noumea Cruise Port to Noumea hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $71
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $76
- Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Business Car: $82
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Grindelwald/Wengen - Arrival Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer From Hotel in Zurich To Zurich Airport: $88
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport To Hotel in Zurich: $88
- Private Zurich Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
- Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $6.30Zurich $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
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.Vientiane $3.53Zurich $36
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $61
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
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: $3.23
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.52
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
- Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.46
- Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
- Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.60
- Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.34Zurich $30
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: $33
- Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Zurich?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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 Vientiane or Zurich?
Zurich has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Vientiane or Zurich in the Summer?
Both Zurich and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Zurich. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Zurich during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Zurich. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 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 JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Zurich 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Zurich in the Autumn?
Both Zurich and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 120 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Zurich. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 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 OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Zurich 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Zurich in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Vientiane is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Zurich during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Zurich receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Zurich. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Zurich 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Zurich in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Zurich. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Zurich. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zurich receives 150 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Zurich. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 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 AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Zurich 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Zurich and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Zurich | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.