Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Xi'an?
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 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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Xi'an Prices
China PricesZurich Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $112Zurich $347
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $112, 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 Xi'an and Zurich in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $66Zurich $188
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $132Zurich $376
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: Xi'an Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $13Zurich $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Airport Transfer: $18
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Xi'an Xianyang Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Xian Airport transfer, Pickup: $23
- Xianyang Airport(XIY) to Xianyang/Xi'An -Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
- Fleet Private Transfer Service: $30
- Private Transfer from Xi'an Hotel to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): $30
- Xi'an North Railway Station Transfer To Downtown Hotel: $30
- Xi'an Private Transfer: From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to Hotel in Xi'an: $30
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:
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $90
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Van: $96
- Airport Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Van: $96
- Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $94
- Minivan or Sedan Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City: $142
- Premium Private Transfer Zurich to Luzern or (Vice Versa): $284
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $447
- Private Executive Transfers in Zurich Airport and Zurich City: $147
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $68
- Private Transfer From St Gallen to Zurich Airport: $136
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Sedan: $98
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 $23Zurich $118
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Tang Dynasty Royal Show Optinal Dinner With Round-trip Transfers: $38
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Transfer: $39
- Skip The Line Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Or Dinner With Transfer: $39
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket with Optional Dinner: $57
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
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: $171
- Taste Zurich – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $38Zurich $39
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Shaanxi History Museum Entry Ticket Reservation: $9.90
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an Charter Service: Terracotta Warriors & City Tours: $13
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Shaanxi History Museum Admission Tickets: $15
- Xian：Huaqing Palace Ticket + Guided Tour & eSIM: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
- Morning Tour to Terracotta Warriors Museum with Lunch: $20
- Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall Full Day Tour: $20
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.41
- St Gallen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
- Original Zürich Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $6.18
- Zürich Oldtown Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $6.18
- Self-Guided Reading City Tour in Zurich: $6.18
- Podcast Tour Zurich Holy, Sinners and Swiss Francs: $6.83
- Zurich Old Town Self Guided Tour of Saints and Sausages: $7.99
- Stein am Rhein Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $8.65
- Schaffhausen Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $8.65
- TOP Zurich : Private guided tour with your mobile: $11
- Zurich Historic Old Town Audio Self Guided Tour: $12
- Zurich's Heists and Robberies: A Self-Guided True Crime Tour: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.86Zurich $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
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.