Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Zurich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zurich or Podgorica?
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 Podgorica. 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 Podgorica?
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.
Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.
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 Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $271Podgorica $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $271, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is $112. 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 Podgorica in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $171Podgorica $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $342Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Podgorica
Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $36Podgorica $21
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)$29
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
- Noumea Cruise Port to Noumea hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $71
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $76
- Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Business Car: $82
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Grindelwald/Wengen - Arrival Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer From Hotel in Zurich To Zurich Airport: $88
- Private Transfer From Zurich Airport To Hotel in Zurich: $88
- Private Zurich Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich in Luxury Van: $91
- Private Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- Transfer Podgorica city center- Podgorica Airport: $22
- Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
- Private Transfer: Podgorica Airport TGD to Podgorica in Sedan Car: $34
- Private Transfer to Budva: $39
- Private Transfer: Podgorica to TGD Airport in Business Car: $41
- Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer from Podgorica hotels to Kotor Cruise Port: $47
- Podgorica hotels to Kotor Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Private transfer to Tivat: $54
- Private transfer to Kotor: $54
- From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
- Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Podgorica?
Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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 $62Podgorica $43
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$13
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $36Podgorica $22
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: $3.23
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $5.52
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.40
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
- Zurich Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.46
- Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.95
- Fun adventure tour of Outdoor Escape Game: $8.60
- Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Zürich: Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $11
- The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Tours and Activities in Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.23
- Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
- Boat Cruise Viktor Skadar LakeVirpazar Kom MonasteryVirpazar: $14
- Lake Skadar Grmozur Fortress and Monastery Cruise: $16
- Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
- Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
- Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
- Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
- From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
- Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $66
- Walking tour, all the secrets of Podgorica: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $30Podgorica $21
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 Podgorica
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:
- Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
- Book Your Wine Tour: $78
- Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $98
- Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $121
- Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $129
- Full Day Private Podgorica Wine Tour Experience: $159
- Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $197
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Podgorica, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Podgorica much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Podgorica would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Podgorica 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 Podgorica.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Podgorica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Podgorica?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?
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 Podgorica in the Summer?
Both Podgorica and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Zurich is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Podgorica. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Podgorica. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZurich 21°C (70°F)Podgorica 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Podgorica in the Autumn?
Both Podgorica and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Zurich is cooler than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Podgorica, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.
Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZurich 13°C (56°F)Podgorica 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Podgorica in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Podgorica. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In the winter, Zurich is much colder than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).
Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.
Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZurich 3°C (37°F)Podgorica 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Podgorica in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Podgorica. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In April, Zurich is generally cooler than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Zurich usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZurich 12°C (53°F)Podgorica 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Podgorica and Zurich
| Zurich | Podgorica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 217 mm (8.5 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.