Is Zurich Expensive?

Is Zurich expensive to visit?

Zurich is a moderately priced destination with an average daily cost of $273. Compared to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It's ranked in the top 50% of cities in Europe for its travel costs, comparable to places like Bern and Saint Andrews.



Zurich, Switzerland

How expensive is Zurich?

On average, visitors spend about $273 per day when visiting Zurich (U.S. Dollars). Two travelers together would spend an average of $546 per day. Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Zurich here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Zurich?

A weekend trip to Zurich costs about $819 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $1,637.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Zurich?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Zurich costs around $1,910 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $3,821.

Is it expensive to backpack in Zurich?

Zurich is a fairly popular backpacker destination with more than 6 hostels around town. Dorm beds in hostels cost around $57 per night on average. There's a wide range in prices though, with the cheapest beds costing about $36 and the most expensive dorm beds costing around $71. (See hostel prices in Zurich here.)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Zurich.

  • $60 for a dorm bed at Zurich Youth Hostel
  • $49 for a dorm bed at Oldtown Hostel Otter
  • $36 for a dorm bed at MEININGER Zürich Greencity

Are hotels expensive in Zurich?

Considering our analysis of hotel prices in Zurich, it becomes apparent that they are somewhat more affordable in comparison to hotels in other cities. On average, you can expect to spend around $149 per night for a hotel room. The city is home to approximately 9 five-star hotels, presenting an average rate of $423 per night. For a balanced choice catering to both comfort and cost-effectiveness, three-star hotels provide an average rate of $140 per night, while two-star hotels offer an even more budget-friendly alternative at $103 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Zurich
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 9 $423
4 stars 31 $185
3 stars 74 $140
2 stars 19 $103
1 star 7 $126

Nordstrasse 1, Zurich
Overall Rating 9.0
Bahnhofplatz 7, Zurich
Overall Rating 9.0

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Zurich?

Activities and things to do in Zurich can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $36 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting, which is less than the country's average of $56.

    • Private City Tour & Photoshoot with a Local in Zurich: $232
    • Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $129
    • Zurich Private Walking & Photo Tour: $111
    • Private Half-Day Tour to the Rhine Falls with Pick-up at Hotel: $223
    • Zürich High Line Tour: $36
    • Ethical Chocolate Tour : $100
    • Christmas Walking Tour in Zürich: Exploring Holiday Charm: $45
    • LINDT Home of Chocolate, Cruise On Lake Zurich And Old Town Walking Tour: $154

    Is food expensive in Zurich?

    Food in Zurich can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $63 on food per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $62. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

    Is transportation expensive in Zurich?

    The prices of local transportation in Zurich can vary by the type of transit used. Other travelers have spent an average of $36 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $38. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    More for Zurich

    If you're planning a trip to Zurich, Switzerland, check out these other informative travel guides.



    We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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