Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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 Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $23Zurich $355
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $23, 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 Vientiane and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.31Zurich $192
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Zurich $384
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 $1.97Zurich $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
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)$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 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 $12Zurich $121
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $70
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Small-Group Street Food Tour with Tastings: $91
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.74Zurich $40
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- The Avenue of a Million Elephants: A Vientiane Self-Guided Tour: $6.99
- Laos’ Leaders and Legends: A Self-Guided tour of Vientiane: $7.99
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $8.50
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $12
- Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
- Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
- Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
- Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
- Explore Vientiane with Lao Art Museum Tour: $61
- Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $75
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.08Zurich $33
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.