Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xi'an 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 Xi'an 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: Xi'an or Zurich?
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
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 in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, 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 dayXi'an $94Zurich $271
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $94, 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 Xi'an and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $60Zurich $171
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $120Zurich $342
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Zurich
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an 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: Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Zurich $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Airport Transfer: $17
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Xi'an Hotel to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): $25
- Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $27
- Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $28
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Xi'an Private Transfer: From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to Hotel in Xi'an: $30
- Private High-speed Train Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Bei (North) Station to Hotel: $30
- Xi'an Hotels Transfer Xi'an Xianyang Airport: $31
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
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:
- Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes E Class 3pax: $122
- Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes V-Class 6pax: $167
- Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $138
- Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Private Car/Van: $95
- Davos: Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $608
- Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $138
- Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $95
- EnglishPrivate One Way Transfer Zurich Airport To Davos: $377
- From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $317
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $260
- From Rafting in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $260
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Zurich?
Prices for flights to both Zurich and Xi'an 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 dayXi'an $12Zurich $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
- Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
- 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
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.Xi'an $35Zurich $36
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
- Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
- Terracotta Army Ticket Booking: $28
- Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
- Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
- Half Day Walking Tour around Xi'an Peaceful Old Downtown Area: $38
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
- Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
- Xi'an Religions Tour: $45
- Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an: $46
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 dayXi'an $7.23Zurich $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 Xi'an and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Xi'an 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 Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Xi'an.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xi'an Expensive? and Is Zurich Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Zurich?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an 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.