Which place is cheaper, Plzen or Zermatt?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zermatt or Plzen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Plzen can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zermatt or Plzen?
Zermatt
Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss village best known for its skiing, climbing, and hiking opportunities. It has become a popular mountain resort town due to its location and also features a number of boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants that cater to the vacationers who come to enjoy the many winter activities of the Alps.
Plzen
Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZermatt $223Plzen $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Zermatt is $223, while the average daily cost in Plzen is $101. 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 Zermatt and Plzen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZermatt $126Plzen $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZermatt $252Plzen $122
Compare Hotels in Zermatt and Plzen
Looking for a hotel in Zermatt or Plzen? 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: Zermatt Hotel Prices and Plzen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zermatt $53Plzen $8.27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:
- Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
- Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
- Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
- 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:
- Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $87
- Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $116
- Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $271
Is it cheaper to fly into Zermatt or Plzen?
Prices for flights to both Plzen and Zermatt 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 dayZermatt $57Plzen $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zermatt
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.
- Evening Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zermatt $56Plzen $21
Tours and Activities in Zermatt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:
- Sion Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
- Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $51
- Sunnegga Funicular Ticket for Iconic Matterhorn Viewpoint: $63
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Cable Car Ticket: $104
- Gornergrat Bahn Cogwheel Train Ticket: $108
- Tapas tour in Zermatt: $111
- Alpine Village Tour 2 hours: $126
- Mount Gornergrat: Zermatt's Spectacular Summit Ticket: $152
- Ticket for Zermatt Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: $154
- Majestic Matterhorn: Zermatt to Glacier Paradise Cableway Ticket: $181
- Mount Gornergrat Spectacular Summit Train Ticket: $183
- Romance and Charms of Zermatt – Walking Tour: $221
Tours and Activities in Plzen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:
- Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.56
- Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.74
- Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $32
- Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $201
- Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $250
- Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $272
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZermatt $28Plzen $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Zermatt
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:
- Wine Tasting in Valais: $84
Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:
- Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.55
- Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
- Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $108
- Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $140
- Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks: $207
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zermatt and Plzen, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Plzen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plzen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plzen 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt than you might in Plzen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zermatt Expensive? and Is Plzen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Plzen?
Plzen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Plzen, 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 Zermatt or Plzen?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zermatt or Plzen in the Summer?
Both Plzen and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Zermatt is a little warmer than Plzen in the summer. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Plzen fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Plzen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In July, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Plzen. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZermatt 23°C (73°F)Plzen 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Plzen in the Autumn?
Both Plzen and Zermatt during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zermatt is a little warmer than Plzen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zermatt in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Plzen. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Plzen. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZermatt 15°C (58°F)Plzen 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Plzen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Plzen. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Plzen can be very cold. Zermatt can be very cold during winter. In January, Zermatt is generally much warmer than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 5°C (41°F), and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).
Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during winter. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Plzen. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZermatt 5°C (41°F)Plzen -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Plzen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Plzen. The spring months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Zermatt is a little warmer than Plzen in the spring. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the spring, Zermatt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.
Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Plzen. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZermatt 13°C (55°F)Plzen 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Plzen and Zermatt
| Zermatt | Plzen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 23 mm (0.9 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.