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

Should you visit Varanasi or Zurich?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varanasi and Zurich can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Varanasi or Zurich?

Varanasi

Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.

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 Bicycle Tours in India, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Varanasi?

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 Varanasi is $33, 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 Varanasi and Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varanasi $15
    Zurich $197
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varanasi $30
    Zurich $394
Compare Hotels in Varanasi and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Varanasi 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 Varanasi


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: Varanasi Hotel Prices and Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varanasi $4.69
    Zurich $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:


  • Tuk Tuk Through Town
    $0.91
  • Rickshaw Ride
    $0.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi

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

  • Private Transfer: Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotel: $12
  • Varanasi Airport Transfer: $14
  • Varanasi Hotels to Varanasi Airport drop: Private Transfers: $23
  • Varanasi Airport to Varanasi Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $23
  • Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $24
  • Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
  • Delhi Private Arrival Transfer From New Delhi Airport To Hotel In Delhi: $34
  • 3-hours Temple hopping with transfers: $35
  • Private Transfer from Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport to Varanasi: $45
  • Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
  • Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
  • From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160

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:

  • ZRH Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $42
  • One-Way Private Airport Transfer: $151
  • 1-Way Private Transfer from the airport to Zurich: $216
  • Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer : $80
  • Zurich to Lucerne one way Private Transfer : $296
  • Zurich to Basel or Basel to Zurich private transfer, Local driver: $185
  • Zurich to Basel Private Transfers: $271
  • Zurich City to Zurich Airport one way Private Transfer : $102
  • Zurich City to Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer Service: $137
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to/from Lucerne: $377
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Moritz: $693
  • Zurich Airport: Private Transfer to St Anton am Arlberg: $467

Is it cheaper to fly into Varanasi or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich and Varanasi 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
    Varanasi $12
    Zurich $124
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner In Town
    $3.92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tests of Best Varanasi Local Food Tour With Tourist Guide: $17
  • 3-hour street food tour: $33
  • Cooking Class with Sona: $42
  • Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
  • Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi - Fully Guided Tour - Rooftop Dinner on Ganges: $121

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.
    Varanasi $9.96
    Zurich $41
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Ride
    $0.79

Tours and Activities in Varanasi

For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express Train: $2.82
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $3.95
  • Agra: Taj Mahal Tour with Professional photographer & Guide: $5.64
  • Spiritual Tour in Varanasi with a local- Experience true essence of spirituality: $12
  • Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $12
  • Cultural & Spiritual Trails of Old Town Varanasi Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Temple Walk Tour Varanasi: $12
  • Sunrise in Banaras with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $14
  • Mysticism of Varanasi Tour with a local including free Guided Boat Ride: $18
  • Sunrise in Varanasi Tour with a local with free Ganga Aarti and Boat Ride: $18
  • Marigold Boat Tour in Varanasi: $19
  • Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Baby Taj Tour from Delhi by Cab: $20

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: $114
  • Beer Tasting Tour in Zurich: $160
  • Best of Zürich & Surroundings: Walking Tour, Cable Car and Ferry: $103
  • Best of Zurich Tour with Felsenegg Cable Car and Ferry Ride : $84
  • Best of Zurich and Surroundings - Extended City Sightseeing Tour: $103
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Bike Private Tour with Pickup and Drop off From Zurich: $163
  • Chocolate Walking Tour in Zurich: $96
  • Chocolate, Art, and History walking tour of Zurich: $94
  • Christmas Walking Tour in Zürich: Exploring Holiday Charm: $51
  • Cinematic Zurich – Photo and Video Shoot Tour: $566
  • City e-bike tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varanasi $7.45
    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 Varanasi and Zurich, we can see that Zurich is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Varanasi 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 Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Varanasi.

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


Which is Bigger, Varanasi or Zurich?

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