Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Zurich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zurich or Montevideo?
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 Montevideo. 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 Montevideo?
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.
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $271Montevideo $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $271, while the average daily cost in Montevideo is $64. 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 Montevideo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $171Montevideo $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $342Montevideo $80
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Montevideo
Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $36Montevideo $7.38
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:
- ST. Moritz Luxury Private Transfer to Zurich Airport: $1,425
- SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT ZURIGO to MILANO MALPENSA: $1,094
- TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT MILANO MALPENSA TO ZURIGO: $1,094
- Switzerland: Private Transfer to Interlaken & Grindelwald: $994
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Scuol: $866
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Gstaad Saanen: $657
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Adelboden: $648
- TRANSFER VAN LUXURY DA AIRPORT ZURIGO A BASEL: $646
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Disentis: $643
- Privat Transfer Zurich Airport to Interlaken: $641
- Private Transfer Interlaken to Zurich Airport: $641
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Thun: $620
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer in private vehicle from Montevideo Airport (MVD) -Montevideo City: $19
- Carrasco Airport Transfer: $20
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $30
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Montevideo?
Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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 dayZurich $62Montevideo $14
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 Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $98
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $36Montevideo $21
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- (STTZ01) - Zurich Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour : $24
- 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $633
- 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $222
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $100
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $656
- Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $808
- Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $128
- Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $155
- Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $89
- Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
- Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $115
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Tourist Bus "Discover Montevideo": $25
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
- City tour Montevideo: $27
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
- Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
- Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
- Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $30Montevideo -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- The best wine tour: $140
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Montevideo, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and Montevideo 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Montevideo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Montevideo?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Montevideo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zurich has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Zurich or Montevideo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Montevideo. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Montevideo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Montevideo averages at about 24°C (75°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Montevideoin January. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 296 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Montevideoin January. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZurich 21°C (70°F)Montevideo 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Montevideo in the Autumn?
Both Montevideo and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Montevideoin April. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Montevideoin April. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZurich 13°C (56°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Montevideo in the Winter?
Both Montevideo and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. Zurich is much colder than Montevideo in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Montevideo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.
In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Montevideoin July. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 135 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Montevideoin July. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZurich 3°C (37°F)Montevideo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Montevideo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Montevideo. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Montevideo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Montevideo averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.
Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Zurich usually receives less rain than Montevideoin October. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZurich 12°C (53°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Montevideo and Zurich
| Zurich | Montevideo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.