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

Should you visit Zurich or Mostar?

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 Mostar. 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 Mostar?

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.

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Zurich?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $268, while the average daily cost in Mostar is $70. 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 Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $170
    Mostar $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $340
    Mostar $72
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Mostar? 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 Mostar


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 Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Mostar $8.65
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:

  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer From Hotel To Zurich Airport or Vice Versa: $56
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer Zurich Airport To/From Zurich: $65
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Vals Thermal Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Noumea Cruise Port to Noumea hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $71
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Badenweiler Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $76
  • From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $78
  • Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Business Car: $82
  • Private Transfer From Hotel in Zurich To Zurich Airport: $87
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport To Hotel in Zurich: $87
  • Private Zurich Transfer: $90

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

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


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
  • Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
  • Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $174
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
  • Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
  • From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $267
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar 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
    Mostar $26
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

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


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

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


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

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

  • Mostar street food tour: $57
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
  • Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Mostar $9.37

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: $3.21
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.47
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.54
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $14

Tours and Activities in Mostar

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

  • Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket: $5.94
  • Walking tour in Old Town Mostar: $18
  • Walking Tour in Old Town Mostar: $20
  • Mostar city Tour: $22
  • Mostar Walking Tour: Orient in the West: $22
  • Mostar in War: Historical Walking Tour: $22
  • Street Art Guided Tour in Mostar: $22
  • Mostar Private Walking Tour - where East meets West: $32
  • Mostar Shelters tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Ottoman Experience Tour in Mostar: $37
  • The Death of Yugoslavia Tour in Mostar: $38
  • Private Half-Day Oriental Tour of Mostar with Food Tasting: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $29
    Mostar $3.71

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: $31
  • eTukTuk Hot Stone BBQ and Wine Tour Zürich: $129

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

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


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    $6.55

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:

  • 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Mostar?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mostar. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Mostar, 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 Mostar?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zurich or Mostar in the Summer?

Both Mostar and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is cooler than Mostar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Mostar averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Mostar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Mostar. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Mostar 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Mostar in the Autumn?

Both Mostar and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zurich is generally cooler than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun.

Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Mostar. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Mostar 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Mostar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Mostar. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Zurich can be very cold during winter. Zurich is much colder than Mostar in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Mostar receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Mostar. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Mostar 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Mostar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Mostar. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is cooler than Mostar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Mostar averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mostar. Zurich usually gets less rain in April than Mostar. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Mostar 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Mostar and Zurich

Zurich Mostar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)