Which place is cheaper, Tihany or Zermatt?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zermatt or Tihany?
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 Tihany can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zermatt or Tihany?
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.
Tihany
Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZermatt $223Tihany $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Zermatt is $223, while the average daily cost in Tihany is $44. 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 Tihany in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZermatt $126Tihany $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZermatt $252Tihany $38
Compare Hotels in Zermatt and Tihany
Looking for a hotel in Zermatt or Tihany? 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 Tihany Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zermatt $53Tihany $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zermatt
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zermatt:
- Private Transfer Zurich Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $1,087
- 3-Hour Private Transfer from Zermatt and Saa to Geneva Airport: $235
- Zermatt to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $141
- Cervinia, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $127
- Breuil-Cervinia to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP-Departure Transfer: $118
Is it cheaper to fly into Zermatt or Tihany?
Prices for flights to both Tihany 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 $57Tihany $18
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 $56Tihany $4.82
Tours and Activities in Zermatt
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zermatt are as follows:
- Basel Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $885
- Basel: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $1,067
- Bern Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $856
- Bern Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
- Bern: Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Tour: $984
- From Basel: Zermatt and Mt. Gornergrat Small Group Tour: $530
- From Bern: Zermatt Guided Tour with Matterhorn Railway Pass: $530
- From Zurich: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise Private Tour: $885
- Interlaken Private Tour to Gornergrat & Matterhorn Paradise: $1,026
- Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt & Gornergrat Scenic Railway: $843
- Interlaken Private Tour: Zermatt Village & Glacier Paradise: $801
- Majestic Hiking Private Tour in Zermatt with pick up: $1,692
Tours and Activities in Tihany
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.
- Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
- Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
- Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
- The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
- Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
- Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZermatt $28Tihany $6.58
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 Tihany
Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zermatt and Tihany, we can see that Zermatt is more expensive. And not only is Tihany much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tihany would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tihany 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 Tihany.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zermatt Expensive? and Is Tihany Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Tihany?
Zermatt has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt and Tihany, 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 Tihany?
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.
Should I visit Zermatt or Tihany in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Tihany. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Zermatt is around the same temperature as Tihany. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zermatt in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Tihany averages at about 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tihany. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zermatt this time of the year. In the summer, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun.
Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Tihany. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZermatt 23°C (73°F)Tihany 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Tihany in the Autumn?
Both Tihany and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 15°C (58°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Tihany. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZermatt 15°C (58°F)Tihany 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Tihany in the Winter?
Both Tihany and Zermatt during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Tihany. It's quite cold in Zermatt in the winter. Zermatt is much warmer than Tihany in the winter. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Tihany fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).
In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Tihany. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun.
Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Tihany. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZermatt 5°C (41°F)Tihany -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Zermatt or Tihany in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Tihany. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zermatt is a little warmer than Tihany. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zermatt in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Tihany averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tihany during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 178 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 Tihany. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZermatt 13°C (55°F)Tihany 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Tihany and Zermatt
| Zermatt | Tihany | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 27 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.