A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zurich vs. Monaco for Nightlife, Couples, Food, and Families

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Should you visit Zurich or Monaco?

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 Monaco. 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.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a glitzy, glamorous, and captivating coastal resort area. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Zurich and Monaco: Pros and Cons

Zurich
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Monaco
Pros
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less family-friendly


How is Zurich different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monaco and Zurich. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Zurich or Monaco Better for Food?

Zurich
Monaco

Both Zurich and Monaco offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Monaco has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.


Is Zurich or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Zurich
Monaco

Both Zurich and Monaco are comparable when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Monaco is a must-see party destination. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

Is Zurich or Monaco Better for Shopping?

Zurich
Monaco

Both Zurich and Monaco are good shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Many people travel to Monaco specifically to go shopping. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

Is Zurich or Monaco Better for Families?

Zurich
Monaco

Families may find more to do in Zurich than Monaco.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

Monaco is not always a place people visit with their families. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.

Is Zurich or Monaco Better for Couples?

Zurich
Monaco

Zurich and Monaco both fun destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Monaco makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.


Is Zurich or Monaco Better for Public Transit?

Zurich
Monaco

Both Zurich and Monaco offer public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Monaco has some public transit options. There is a bus system.

Is Zurich or Monaco a more walkable city?

Zurich
Monaco

Zurich and Monaco both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Monaco. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than Monaco.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Zurich is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Monaco is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Zurich or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Zurich 2-5 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Zurich or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Monaco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Monaco?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Monaco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Zurich or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glitzy big city of Monaco. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which city is cheaper, Monaco or Zurich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $210, while the average daily cost in Monaco is $161. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Zurich and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $133
    Monaco $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $266
    Monaco $204
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Monaco? 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 Monaco


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 Monaco Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $28
    Monaco $15
Typical Local Transportation prices in Zurich

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


  • City Pass (2)
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • (Airport) transfer: from Zürich airport or Zürich to Bern, Fribourg, Thun, Biel: $576
  • Arrival Private Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Lucerne-Basel-Bern by Luxury Van: $241
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Car: $123
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Car: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $123
  • Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $103
  • Flughafen Transfer: $104
  • From Rafting in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $239
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Friedrichshafen Airport to Zürich City - One Way: $601
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Zürich Airport to Bern City - One Way: $366
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Zürich Airport to Zurich City - One Way: $126

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Private Departure Transfer from Monaco Hotels to Nice Airport: $65
  • Monaco Transfer: Monaco Cruise Port to Nice Airport: $80
  • Departure Private Transfers from Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE: $98
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfers from Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $118
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $124
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Monaco City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Car: $157
  • Monaco Private Transfer from Monaco-Ville to Nice Airport: $174
  • Between Monaco and Nice: Single Helicopter Transfer: $199
  • Private transfer: Monaco Airport (MCM) to Monaco: $622

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco 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 $49
    Monaco $46
Typical Food prices in Zurich

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


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.

  • Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $154
  • Overnight Mount Titlis including 4-course dinner: $545

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $28
    Monaco $20

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • Zurich Private Tour: Albert Einstein Old Town Exploration Game: $7.45
  • Historical Zürich: An audio tour through the city of a thousand fountains: $9.99
  • Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket: $16
  • Museum Rietberg Zurich Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $27
  • Shopping and History Tour of Zurich: $30
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $30
  • Zürich Historic District Tour: $30
  • Swiss Chocolate Walking Tour of Zurich: $36
  • Zurich Highlights Tour: $40
  • Zurich City Tour Experience: $40
  • Zurich Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $45

Typical Entertainment prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    $109

Tours and Activities in Monaco

Here are a few actual costs in Monaco for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket: $20
  • Monaco Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $29
  • Nice: Guided Monte-Carlo Tour: $45
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco & Monte Carlo Half-Day Tour: $51
  • Monte-Carlo and Monaco sightseeing walking tour with an expert guide: $56
  • Full-Day Small Group Tour to Monaco and Eze: $90
  • From Cannes: Monaco Small Group Night Tour: $96
  • From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour: $104
  • Group tour of French Riviera from the port of Monaco/Monte-Carlo: $112
  • Helicopter Sightseeing Flight: $164
  • Monaco 30/60-Minute Ferrari Driving Experience: $172
  • Lamborghini Sports Car Experience from Monaco: $211

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $23
    Monaco $22

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 Zurich: $29

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

Also in Monaco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Authentic Wine Tasting Experience: $48
  • Monaco Shore Excursion: Private Tour of Nice and Eze with Wine Tasting: $657
  • Private St-Jeannet, St-Paul-de-Vence, and Wine Tour from Monaco: $843

About these numbers

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

Budget Your Trip

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