Which place is cheaper, Puerto Varas or Zurich?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Zurich or Puerto Varas?
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 Puerto Varas. 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 Puerto Varas?
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.
Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a city in Southern Chile, in the Los Lagos (Lakes) Region, Llanquihue Province. It is a charming town, only 23 km away from Puerto Montt and surrounded by the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes as well as the impressive Llanquihue lake. In terms of landscape, accommodation and activities, Puerto Varas is well served! Kayak, paddle, canyoning, rock climbing, trekking, ski, fishing, you name it! If you decide to stop in that area, we recommend that you stay in Puerto Varas, as it provides the perfect starting point for many memorable excursions in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best G Adventures Tours to Chile, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago.
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Zurich Prices
Switzerland PricesPuerto Varas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $354Puerto Varas $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $354, while the average daily cost in Puerto Varas is $130. 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 Puerto Varas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $192Puerto Varas $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $384Puerto Varas $138
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Puerto Varas
Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Puerto Varas? 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 Puerto Varas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $40Puerto Varas $22
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)$32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $97
- Airport Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $97
- Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $101
- Departure Transfer from Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH in Private Car/Van: $101
- English Speaking Zurich to Basel Private Car Transfer: $152
- From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $89
- Premium Transfer from Zürich Airport to Zurich city or Zürich city to Airport: $124
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $447
- Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Zurich City: $130
- Private Executive Transfers in Zurich Airport and Zurich City: $151
- Private One Way Transfer from Zurich to Lucerne: $122
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Varas
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Varas:
- Transfer to Puerto Montt Airport: $22
- Cruce Andino Office Private Transfer from Puerto Varas: $27
- Transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt Airport: $50
- Frutillar to Puerto Airport (PMC) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Puerto Varas?
Prices for flights to both Puerto Varas 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 $121Puerto Varas $44
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zurich.
- Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $40Puerto Varas $20
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.83
- Zurich Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h45 and 20 audio reviews: $6.88
- St Gallen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.98
- Neuhausen Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $8.86
- Historical Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through the city of 1,000 Fountains: $9.99
- Stein am Rhein Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $10
- Zurich Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
- TOP Zurich : Private guided tour with your mobile: $12
- Zurich Historic Old Town Audio Self Guided Tour: $12
- Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $18
- Reformation in Zurich Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour: $25
Tours and Activities in Puerto Varas
Here are a few actual costs in Puerto Varas for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Scenic Catamaran Tour on Llanquihue lake: $12
- Half day Frutillar and Llanquihue Town tour: $36
- Half day Osorno Volcano tour: $41
- Sightseeing Tour in Puerto Varas & Puerto Montt: $45
- Half-Day Tour to Frutillar and Llanquihue: $46
- From Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Falls Day Tour: $55
- Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour: $55
- Todos los Santos Lake and Villa Peulla Tour: $55
- Guided Tour to Termas del Sol and Cochamo with Transportation Included: $56
- FullDay Chiloe Island Tour Castro and dalcahue: $59
- Osorno Volcano & Petrohue Full Day Tour: $61
- From Full-Day Tour to Termas del Sol and Cochamó Valley: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $33Puerto Varas $6.69
Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich
Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Turicum Distillery Tour: $82
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Puerto Varas, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Puerto Varas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Puerto Varas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Puerto Varas?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Puerto Varas. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Puerto Varas, 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 Puerto Varas?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Puerto Varas 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 Puerto Varas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Puerto Varas. Most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Zurich is a little warmer than Puerto Varas in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto Varas this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Puerto Varas during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Puerto Varasin January. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZurich 21°C (70°F)Puerto Varas 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Puerto Varas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Puerto Varas. The autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Zurich is a little warmer than Puerto Varas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Puerto Varas averages at about 11°C (51°F)in April.
In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Puerto Varasin April. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 104 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Puerto Varas. Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Puerto Varasin April. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZurich 13°C (56°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Puerto Varas in the Winter?
Both Puerto Varas and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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. In January, Zurich is generally much colder than Puerto Varasin July. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Puerto Varas during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto Varas receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Puerto Varas. In January, Zurich usually receives less rain than Puerto Varasin July. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZurich 3°C (37°F)Puerto Varas 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Puerto Varas in the Spring?
Both Puerto Varas and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.
Zurich is around the same temperature as Puerto Varas in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Puerto Varas fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in October.
In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto Varasin October. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto Varas receives 151 hours of full sun.
Puerto Varas gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zurich usually gets less rain in April than Puerto Varasin October. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Puerto Varas receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZurich 12°C (53°F)Puerto Varas 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto Varas and Zurich
| Zurich | Puerto Varas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4.1 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.