Zurich Trip Cost Calculator

Your Zurich Budget at a Glance

Zurich is expensive - one of the world’s priciest cities. But it’s also clean, efficient, and beautiful with free lake swimming and excellent public transport. Budget travelers can manage on $150-250 per day, mid-range travelers should expect $300-500 per day, and luxury seekers will spend $700+ per day.

Where Your Money Goes

Everything is expensive. Accommodation, food, drinks - all cost significantly more than elsewhere in Europe. The good news: public transport is excellent, lake activities are free/cheap, and supermarket restaurants offer affordable meals.

Budget Traveler Tips

Survive Zurich on a budget by:

• Eating at Migros/Coop restaurants (CHF 12-18 for hot meals)
• Swimming in the lake at public Badis (free-CHF 6)
• Getting ZVV day passes for transport
• Visiting free attractions (Old Town, Lindenhof, lake)
• Drinking tap water (it’s excellent and free)

Worth the Splurge

Even budget travelers should consider:

• One traditional meal (Zürcher Geschnetzeltes)
• Lake cruise (short one included in ZVV pass)
• Kunsthaus museum (free Wednesday evenings)

Getting There & Around

From Zurich Airport

The airport is 10km north:

• Train: CHF 6.80, 10 min to Hauptbahnhof
• Tram 10: CHF 4.50, 30 min to center
• Taxi: CHF 60-70 to center

Getting Around

Zurich is compact but hilly:

• Tram: Excellent network, very efficient
• S-Bahn: Regional trains for suburbs
• Walking: Old Town and lakefront very walkable
• Bikes: City bikes available, good infrastructure