Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas. 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 Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile.
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Zurich Prices
Switzerland PricesPunta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $366Punta Arenas $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $366, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas is $84. 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $199Punta Arenas $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $398Punta Arenas $68
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $42Punta Arenas $1.93
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)$33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:
- Private Transfer between Zurich and Interlaken: $474
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $447
- Private transfer between Zurich Airport to/from Lucerne.: $336
- Private transfer from Zurich to Basel, with sightseeing stops: $289
- Premium Private Transfer Zurich to Luzern or (Vice Versa): $288
- Private Transfer: Zurich or Airport ZRH to Basel by Luxury Van: $282
- Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Winterthur: $277
- Private Transfer from Winterthur to Zurich Airport: $277
- Private transfer from Zurich to Basel, 2h Sightseeing stop: $271
- Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zug: $269
- Private direct transfer from Zurich to Interlaken: $264
- Private driver, door-to-door transfer from Zurich to Bern: $248
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Airport Punta Arenas: $30
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $36
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $125Punta Arenas $39
Typical Food Prices in Zurich
Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:
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Breakfast for 2$16
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: $177
- Taste Zurich – A Full Food Tour of Swiss Flavors by Do Eat Better: $188
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.12
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Dinner$27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Punta Arenas
For Punta Arenas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Punta Arenas : Chilean cooking class. Relax and learn!: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $42Punta Arenas $6.91
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $109
- Afternoon Zurich Tour with Artisanal Chocolate and Rhine Falls: $165
- Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $102
- Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride: $83
- Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $77
- City e-bike tour: $50
- City tour Zurich milieu: $32
- City tour Zurich with the city whispers from CHF 21.00: $102
- Day tour to Grindelwald, Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen: $220
- Eiger and Jungfrau Glacier Panorama Tour from Zurich: $197
- Engelberg Day Tour from Zurich with Lucerne Stop: $97
- Exclusive Chocolate Factory Tour with Tasting and Decoration: $300
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Fort Bulnes Historical Tour: $39
- Half day traditional City Tour: $50
- City Tour: $60
- City Tour Shore Excursion for Cruisers: $60
- Punta Arenas City Tour Shore Excursion: $60
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers: $70
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
- Full-Day Torres del Paine Tour: $88
- Monte Tarn Trekking Tour with Guide: $129
- Torres Del Paine and Milodon Cave Full Day Tour: $135
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $34Punta Arenas $5.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.87
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Punta Arenas, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Punta Arenas?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Punta Arenas. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.
In the summer, Zurich is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 11°C (52°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Punta Arenas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin January. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Punta Arenasin January. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryZurich 21°C (70°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
Both Punta Arenas and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Zurich is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin April. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Zurich usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Punta Arenas during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin April. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilZurich 13°C (56°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
Both Punta Arenas and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Punta Arenas can be very cold during winter. Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. Zurich is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 1°C (35°F)in July.
In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Punta Arenasin July. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun.
Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Punta Arenasin July. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyZurich 3°C (37°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Zurich or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Punta Arenas. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Zurich is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 7°C (44°F)in October.
Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Punta Arenas during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin October. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberZurich 12°C (53°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Zurich
| Zurich | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.