Which place is cheaper, Coimbra or Zurich?
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 Zurich or Coimbra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Coimbra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Zurich or Coimbra?
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.
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
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 Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.
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Zurich Prices
Switzerland PricesCoimbra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $364Coimbra $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $364, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is $162. 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 Zurich and Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $197Coimbra $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $394Coimbra $102
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Coimbra? 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 and Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $41Coimbra $13
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)$33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- ZRH Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $42
- One-Way Private Airport Transfer: $151
- 1-Way Private Transfer from the airport to Zurich: $216
- Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer : $81
- Zurich to Lucerne one way Private Transfer : $298
- Zurich to Basel Private Transfers: $273
- Zurich City to Zurich Airport one way Private Transfer : $103
- Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer Service: $138
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Lucerne: $377
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Moritz: $693
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Anton am Arlberg: $467
- Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $478
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer in Coimbra City : $95
- Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $159
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $274
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $298
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra and Zurich 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 dayZurich $124Coimbra $97
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
- Zurich Food Tour of 10+ Swiss Specialties w/ Cheeses & Chocolates: $156
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $41Coimbra $21
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $115
- Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $161
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $85
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
- Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $163
- Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $97
- Chocolate, Art, and History walking tour of Zurich: $94
- Cinematic Zurich – Photo and Video Shoot Tour: $566
- City e-bike tour: $50
- City tour historic old town Zurich: $48
- Crash Landing on You: Switzerland Filming Locations Day Tour: $317
- Day Trip from Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure: $224
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
- Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
- Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour: $5.96
- Coimbra Downtown Walking Tour with uptown insights : $5.96
- Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: $5.96
- Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
- Tomar’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Self-Guided Tour of Fado Traditions in Coimbra: $9.99
- Coimbra City Tour : $24
- Cycle to Ancient Dolmens in Azenha. History, Theory & Folklore Guided Tour: $36
- Coimbra Adventure Discovery and Learning with a Local: $42
- Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $34Coimbra $14
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: $38
- Pub Crawl Zurich: $39
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Coimbra, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra 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 Coimbra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Coimbra?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Coimbra, 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 Zurich or Coimbra?
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 Zurich or Coimbra in the Summer?
Both Coimbra and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Coimbra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Coimbra averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Coimbra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Coimbra. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZurich 21°C (70°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Coimbra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Coimbra. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Coimbra. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Coimbra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZurich 13°C (56°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Coimbra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Coimbra. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Zurich is much colder than Coimbra in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Coimbra. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Coimbra. Zurich usually gets less rain in January than Coimbra. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZurich 3°C (37°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Coimbra in the Spring?
Both Coimbra and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Coimbra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Coimbra averages at about 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Coimbra. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zurich usually receives less rain than Coimbra. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZurich 12°C (53°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Zurich
| Zurich | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.