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

Should you visit Zurich or Tihany?

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 Tihany. 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 Tihany?

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.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany 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 Tihany is $44. 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 Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $170
    Tihany $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $340
    Tihany $38
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Tihany? 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 Tihany


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 Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Tihany $11
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:

  • ST. Moritz Luxury Private Transfer to Zurich Airport: $1,411
  • SUV LUXURY TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT ZURIGO to MILANO MALPENSA: $1,083
  • TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT MILANO MALPENSA TO ZURIGO: $1,083
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Scuol: $857
  • Switzerland: Private Transfer to Interlaken & Grindelwald: $809
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Gstaad Saanen: $651
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Adelboden: $642
  • TRANSFER VAN LUXURY DA AIRPORT ZURIGO A BASEL: $640
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Airport to Disentis: $636
  • Private Transfer Interlaken to Zurich Airport: $634
  • Privat Transfer Zurich Airport to Interlaken: $634
  • Private Transfer From Zurich Airport to Thun: $613

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany 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
    Tihany $18
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

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


  • Breakfast for 2
    $13

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $36
    Tihany $4.82

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • 007-Elegance: Exclusive Private Tour Schilthorn from Zürich: $627
  • 3 Hours Private Tour Around Zurich: $224
  • 3 in 1: Zurich Walking Tour - Cruise on the Lake - Cable Car Ride to Felsenegg: $101
  • Adventure to Mount Pilatus Gold and Silver tour: $157
  • Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Zürich: $650
  • Alpine Majesty:Zürich to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $799
  • Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $129
  • Best Intro Tour of Zurich with a Local: $124
  • Best of Zürich: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $73
  • Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $87
  • Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $114

Tours and Activities in Tihany

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.

  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $29
    Tihany $6.58

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Tihany?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zurich or Tihany in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Tihany. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Tihany in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Tihany fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tihany. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Tihany. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Tihany in the Autumn?

Both Tihany 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 the autumn, Zurich is a little warmer than Tihany. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Tihany averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Tihany. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Tihany in the Winter?

Both Tihany 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.

Tihany can be very cold during winter. Zurich can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Zurich is generally much warmer than Tihany. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Tihany fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Tihany. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Tihany -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Tihany in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Tihany. Most visitors come to Zurich for the natural beauty during these months.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Tihany in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Tihany. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Tihany and Zurich

Zurich Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)