Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso?
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 Valparaiso. 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 Valparaiso?
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.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.
Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.
Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.
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 in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Zurich Prices
Switzerland PricesValparaiso Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZurich $364Valparaiso $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Zurich is $364, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is $82. 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 Valparaiso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZurich $197Valparaiso $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZurich $394Valparaiso $72
Compare Hotels in Zurich and Valparaiso
Looking for a hotel in Zurich or Valparaiso? 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 Valparaiso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zurich $41Valparaiso $4.83
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:
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $100
- Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Van: $107
- Arrival Private Transfer from Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich City by Luxury Van: $117
- Departure Private Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $117
- From Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $361
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $308
- Privat Transfer Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $450
- Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Winterthur: $285
- Private Executive Transfers in Zurich Airport and Zurich City: $217
- Private Luxury Transfers ZRH Airport to Zurich City in V Class: $168
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $72
- Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:
- Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $110
- Transfers from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to Santiago: $120
- Private transfer from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to San Antonio : $133
- Small group transfer from Valparaiso/S.Antonio+Tour in Santiago: $140
- Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $142
- Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
- Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago Hotels: $208
- Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $260
- Private Valparaiso Visit William Cole Winery & Transfer to Hotel: $270
Is it cheaper to fly into Zurich or Valparaiso?
Prices for flights to both Valparaiso 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 $124Valparaiso $38
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.
- Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
- Zurich Food Tour of 10+ Swiss Specialties w/ Cheeses & Chocolates: $156
Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:
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Empanada$1.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.
- Cooking Classes in Viña del Mar Learn to Make Tapas and Desserts: $65
- Learn to Cook Like a Local: Private Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $102
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zurich $41Valparaiso $18
Tours and Activities in Zurich
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zurich are as follows:
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $6.29
- Zurich Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Schaffhausen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
- Zurich Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and city tour: $12
- Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
- Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich: $13
- Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $16
- Swiss National Museum Entry Ticket: $16
- City Walking Tour Made in Zurich: $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso
Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Tour$4.19
Tours and Activities in Valparaiso
Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- The Tour of Valparaiso in French on foot and in a small group: $18
- Shared Tour in Street Art, Funiculars and Port: $30
- Valparaiso Private Walking Tour with a Local: $32
- 2 Hour Walking Tour in Valparaiso: $35
- Valparaiso : Private Custom Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $36
- Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
- Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
- Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
- Walking Tour Valparaiso, History & Art - Private Optional: $42
- Explore Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Tour: $58
- Private Gastronomic Tour Valparaiso: $70
- Valpo in 1 day: Authentic + Famous! Semi-private walking tour & public transport: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZurich $34Valparaiso $7.78
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: $38
- Pub Crawl Zurich: $39
Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:
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Beer$0.99
Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:
- A Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour Service from Casablanca : $75
- Private Wine Tour in Valparaiso: $250
- Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $320
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zurich and Valparaiso, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zurich is in Europe and Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zurich Expensive? and Is Valparaiso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zurich or Valparaiso?
Zurich has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Valparaiso. When comparing the sizes of Zurich and Valparaiso, 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.
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.