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

Should you visit Guilin or Zurich?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guilin and Zurich can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Zurich?

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Guilin?

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 Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $364. 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 Guilin and Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Zurich $197
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Zurich $394
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Zurich? 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 Guilin


Hotels in Zurich


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.85
    Zurich $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Downtown Hotel: $17
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
  • Jieyang Chaoshan Airport Private airport transfer Service: $20
  • Haikou private airport transfer: $23
  • [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter> *: $23
  • Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
  • Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
  • Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
  • Transfer from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Guilin City Center: $41

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

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


  • 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: $99
  • Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Van: $106
  • Airport Transfer: Zurich to Zurich Airport ZRH by Business Car: $99
  • 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: $283
  • Private Arrival Transfer: from Zurich Airport to Zurich City: $136
  • Private Luxury Transfers ZRH Airport to Zurich City in V Class: $167
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich and Guilin 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
    Guilin $39
    Zurich $124
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
  • Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

Typical Food Prices in Zurich

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


  • 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 Local Delicacies with Cheeses & Chocolates: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Zurich $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $46
  • Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
  • Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
  • 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill : $55
  • Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $60
  • Guilin English tour guide service : $62
  • Private day tours: ancient zhuang rice terraces hiking to PingAn : $66
  • Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
  • Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo Day Tour: $72
  • Fully-Guided Private Day Tour of Longji Terraces From Guilin: $72
  • Li River Cruise ticket from Guilin to Yangshuo with pickup: $72

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
  • Schaffhausen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
  • Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
  • Zurich Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and city tour: $12
  • The Dark Side of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $13
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $16
  • Swiss National Museum Entry Ticket: $16
  • Walking Tour with the Night Watchman: $19
  • City Walking Tour Made in Zurich: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.81
    Zurich $34

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Zurich?

Guilin has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Zurich, 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 Guilin or Zurich?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Guilin or Zurich in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Zurich. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Guilin is a little warmer than Zurich. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Zurich averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guilin usually receives more rain than Zurich. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Zurich in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Zurich. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Guilin is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Guilin usually gets more rain in October than Zurich. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Zurich in the Winter?

Both Zurich and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. Guilin is much warmer than Zurich in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Zurich fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Guilin usually receives less rain than Zurich. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Zurich in the Spring?

Both Zurich and Guilin during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Guilin is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Zurich averages at about 12°C (53°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Zurich. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Guilin

Guilin Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)