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

Should you visit Zurich or Uppsala?

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 Uppsala. 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 Uppsala?

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.

Uppsala

Uppsala is a college town in Sweden, located about 40 minutes north of Stockholm. Home to two universities, Uppsala is the 4th largest city in Sweden and features a huge diversity in culture. The Fyris River divides the city into the historic and modern sides of the city, each one with their own unique culture and sights to see. The area features fairly cool weather year-round, with temperatures in the 30's Fahrenheit from November-April and May-October seeing temperatures in the 40's and 50's Fahrenheit. The best time to visit it from May-July when temperatures are at their highest and there's plenty of sunshine.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Luxury Tours to Sweden, and The Best Budget Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Uppsala or Zurich?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $354, while the average daily cost in Uppsala is $180. 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 Uppsala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zurich $192
    Uppsala $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zurich $384
    Uppsala $202
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Uppsala

Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Uppsala? 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 Uppsala


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 Uppsala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zurich $40
    Uppsala $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $32

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 Service from Zurich to Rheinfall Neuhaus: $299
  • Premium Private Transfer Zurich to Luzern or (Vice Versa): $289
  • Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Winterthur: $272
  • Private Transfer from Winterthur to Zurich Airport: $272
  • Scenic E Bike Adventure in Interlaken with transfer from Zurich: $270
  • Private Transfer: Zurich or Airport ZRH to Basel by Luxury Van: $267
  • Private driver, door-to-door transfer from Zurich to Bern: $247
  • Private Transfer Zurich city to Zurich Airport ZRH by Minibus: $241
  • Private Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Minibus: $241

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uppsala

Also for Uppsala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Uppsala City to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) - Departure Private Transfer: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Uppsala?

Prices for flights to both Uppsala 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 $121
    Uppsala $62
Typical Food Prices in Zurich

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


  • 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: $176
  • Culinary Tour from Zurich with Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue Dinner: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zurich $40
    Uppsala $21

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: $107
  • Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $101
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride: $73
  • Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $101
  • Chocolate Tour from Zürich Create Your Own Swiss Chocolate Bar: $210
  • Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $107
  • City tour Zurich milieu: $31
  • Day trip to Swiss Villages from Zurich - Small Group Tour by Car: $263
  • Eiger and Jungfrau Glacier Panorama Tour from Zurich: $194
  • Explore Swiss Villages: Interlaken-Grindelwald(Private Tour): $275
  • FIFA Museum Entry Tickets in Zurich with Pick up: $189
  • FIFA Museum Tickets: $33

Tours and Activities in Uppsala

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

  • Uppsala Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.30
  • The Best of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Self Guided Secrets of Uppsala Exploration Game Tour: $24
  • Stockholm: Uppsala Half-Day Swedish Oxford & Cathedral Tour: $29
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
  • Adventure parc: $53
  • Uppsala : Kayaking or Canoeing Experience: $76
  • Vasatid at Uppsala Castle 1h - a guided tour in Uppsala: $96
  • Medieval horror, undead and dark folklore walk Uppsala city - open tour: $100
  • Uppsala Must See 2h city walk - 2h tour of all big attractions!: $107
  • Guided tour 90min at Old Uppsala mounds and old Uppsala church: $108
  • Swedish Lifestyle and Private Walking Tour of Uppsala: $138

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zurich $33
    Uppsala $20

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 Zurich: $38


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zurich or Uppsala?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Uppsala. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Uppsala, 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 Uppsala?

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 Uppsala in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Uppsala. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Uppsala. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Uppsala fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Uppsala. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zurich this time of the year. In the summer, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Uppsala. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 260 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Uppsala. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zurich 21°C (70°F) 
    Uppsala 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Uppsala in the Autumn?

Both Uppsala and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Zurich is much warmer than Uppsala in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Uppsala fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Uppsala during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives more rain than Uppsala. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zurich 13°C (56°F) 
    Uppsala 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Uppsala in the Winter?

Both Uppsala and Zurich during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Uppsala in the winter. The weather in Zurich can be very cold. In the winter, Zurich is much warmer than Uppsala. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Uppsala averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Uppsala. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 40 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Uppsala. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zurich 3°C (37°F) 
    Uppsala -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Zurich or Uppsala in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Uppsala. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

In April, Zurich is generally much warmer than Uppsala. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Uppsala fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Uppsala during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Uppsala. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zurich 12°C (53°F) 
    Uppsala 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Uppsala and Zurich

Zurich Uppsala
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -3°C (27°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -3°C (27°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) -1°C (31°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)