Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne or Zermatt?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Saint-Etienne can help you decide which place is right for you.
Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.
Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations, Zermatt has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zermatt is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its museums. Zermatt is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also well known for The Matterhorn. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne and Zermatt. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, Saint-Etienne is not a skiing destination.
Zermatt is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.
Saint-Etienne is not a skiing destination.
Saint-Etienne is very good for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.
Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.
While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.
Zermatt is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Zermatt has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.
Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.
Zermatt is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.
Many people head to Zermatt for the nightlife scene. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.
Zermatt is great for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.
There are plenty of resorts in Zermatt to choose from. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.
Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.
Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.
Zermatt is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.
Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.
Zermatt is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.
Zermatt is well-known for its shopping. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.
Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.
Zermatt is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Zermatt is very family-friendly. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.
Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.
Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.
Zermatt is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.
Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.
Zermatt is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.
Many backpackers visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.
Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.
Both Zermatt and Saint-Etienne offer nice public transit options.
Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.
Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.
Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.
Zermatt is a very easy town to get around on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.
Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable town. There are several walkable areas in the city.
For even more information, also check out Is Zermatt Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zermatt or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zermatt than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.
Families should spend more time in Zermatt than Saint-Etienne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zermatt, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Zermatt than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zermatt that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt than Saint-Etienne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Zermatt.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Zermatt. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.
In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer.
Many travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the stunning destination of Zermatt. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.
Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful town of Zermatt. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Zermatt is $223, while the average daily cost in Saint-Etienne is $115. 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 Saint-Etienne in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Zermatt or Saint-Etienne? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:
Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zermatt.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zermatt:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zermatt and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zermatt Expensive? and Is Saint-Etienne Expensive?.
Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Saint-Etienne, 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.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
The summer brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Zermatt is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zermatt in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zermatt this time of the year. In the summer, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.
Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Saint-Etienne and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 15°C (58°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Saint-Etienne and Zermatt during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.
It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. The weather in Zermatt can be very cold. Zermatt is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.
Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Saint-Etienne. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zermatt is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zermatt in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).
Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Zermatt | Saint-Etienne | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |