A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zurich or Havana?

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 Havana. 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Zurich?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $271, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $171
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $342
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Havana? 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.

Hotels in Zurich


Hotels in Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Havana $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes E Class 3pax: $122
  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes V-Class 6pax: $167
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $138
  • Arrival Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
  • Arrival Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City in Private Car/Van: $95
  • Davos: Private Transfer to/from Zurich Airport: $608
  • Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $138
  • Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $95
  • EnglishPrivate One Way Transfer Zurich Airport To Davos: $377
  • From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $317
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $260
  • From Rafting in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $260

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Zurich $62
    Havana $10
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Zurich

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.52
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.46
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
  • Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.60
  • Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $30
    Havana $5.76

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: $33
  • Informative wine tasting with Italian appetizers in the secure wine cellar: $155

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Havana, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Havana, 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 Havana?

Zurich has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Havana in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Havana. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Havana. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Havana. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In October, Zurich is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Havana in the Winter?

Both Havana and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Zurich is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Havana. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In the spring, Zurich is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Zurich

Zurich Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)