Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
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 Lima. 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Zurich Prices
Switzerland PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $364Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $364, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $197Lima $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $394Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $41Lima $6.06
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:
- Zurich Airport Stress-Free Private Transfer: $36
- ZRH Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $42
- Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer to Zurich/Lucerne/Interlaken: $48
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $72
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $72
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer : $81
- Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $81
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Arrival Transfer: $84
- Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $84
- Private Transfer from Zurich Hotels to Zurich Airport: $87
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $100
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.95
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Private Transfer to Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $17
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $17
- Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima Hotels: $18
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $124Lima $32
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
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $41Lima $9.15
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $6.29
- Zurich Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Schaffhausen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Zurich Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and city tour: $12
- Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich: $13
- Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $16
- Swiss National Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- City Walking Tour Made in Zurich: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $34Lima $5.95
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Lima, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and Lima is in South America, 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Lima, 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 Lima?
Zurich has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Zurich or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Lima. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZurich 21°C (70°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
Zurich is cooler than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Lima. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZurich 13°C (56°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Lima. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In the winter, Zurich is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Lima. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZurich 3°C (37°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Lima. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In April, Zurich is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Lima. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZurich 12°C (53°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Zurich
| Zurich | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.