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

Should you visit Zurich or Pecs?

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 Pecs. 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 Pecs?

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.

Pecs

Located in southwest Hungary, Pecs is a pleasant university town with a history that dates back to Roman times - a history evident in its ancient architecture. Some of the most sought after sites include the Early Christian Necropolis, the Mosque of Pasha Quasim, and the Cathedral of Pecs.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Hungary, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Pecs 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 Pecs is $80. 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 Pecs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $170
    Pecs $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $340
    Pecs $74
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Pecs

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Pecs? 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 Pecs


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 Pecs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Pecs $17
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 Zurich Transfer Mercedes S Class 3pax: $179
  • Airport Zurich Transfer Mercedes V-Class 6pax: $168
  • 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: $601
  • 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: $374
  • From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $78
  • From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $314
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pecs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pecs:

  • Pécs - Budapest Transfer: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Pecs?

Prices for flights to both Pecs 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
    Pecs $29
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

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


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Typical Food Prices in Pecs

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Pecs $17

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 Pecs

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

  • Mineral Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $29
    Pecs $8.30

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Pecs?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Pecs. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Pecs, 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 Pecs?

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 Pecs in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Pecs. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Pecs. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Pecs averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pecs this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Pecs. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Pecs 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Pecs in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Pecs. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In October, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Pecs. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Pecs fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Pecs. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 169 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in October than Pecs. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Pecs 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Pecs in the Winter?

Both Pecs and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pecs can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. Zurich is much warmer than Pecs in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Pecs fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Pecs. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Pecs 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Pecs in the Spring?

Both Pecs and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is around the same temperature as Pecs. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Pecs averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Pecs. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 187 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Pecs. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Pecs 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pecs and Zurich

Zurich Pecs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)