Is Zurich expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world, with hotel, restaurant and drink prices well above London, Paris or Munich. Plan on about CHF 160 a day per person on a budget, CHF 305 mid-range and CHF 580 for comfort. Hotels and eating out take most of the money; public transport, fountains, lake swimming and walking the old town are good value or free.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | CHF80 | CHF150 | CHF300 |
| Food & drink | CHF50 | CHF100 | CHF180 |
| Sights & tickets | CHF20 | CHF40 | CHF70 |
| Local transport | CHF10 | CHF15 | CHF30 |
| Per person, per day | CHF160 | CHF305 | CHF580 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Zurich day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a café | about CHF 5–6 |
| Bratwurst from a street stand | about CHF 8–10 |
| Main course in a casual restaurant | about CHF 25–40 |
| Beer in a bar | about CHF 7–10 |
| Single tram/bus trip in the city | about CHF 4.60 |
| Train from the airport to the main station | about CHF 7 |
| Kunsthaus Zürich | about CHF 24 |
| Lindt Home of Chocolate | about CHF 15–17 |
| Mid-range room in the Altstadt | CHF 250–380 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the biggest cost: even simple hotels near Langstrasse cost CHF 130–200 a double, and the city adds a tax of about CHF 2.50 per person per night. Food is the second: sit-down restaurant meals rarely cost under CHF 25–30, and drinks are pricey. Sights cost CHF 5–25 each, and day trips to the Rhine Falls or Lucerne add train fares, which are high unless you find Supersaver tickets. Public transport within the city, by contrast, is efficient and reasonably priced.
When it is cheaper
Late autumn (November), January and February outside ski weekends are often the quietest months, but hotel prices also depend heavily on trade fairs and banking conferences. Summer weekends can be cheaper than weekdays in business hotels.
How to spend less
- Buy lunch at supermarkets such as Coop and Migros, which have good ready-made meals and self-service restaurants.
- Drink from Zurich's 1,200 public fountains instead of buying bottled water.
- Buy a ZVV day pass or the Zurich Card if you will take several trams, trains and boats in a day.
- Look for SBB Supersaver tickets for day trips to the Rhine Falls or Lucerne.
- Swim in the river and lake pools, many of which are free or cheap in summer.
- Stay in Kreis 4 or Zurich West rather than the old town or lakefront.
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Common questions
Is Zurich expensive?
Yes, it is one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially for hotels and eating out.
How much does a meal cost in Zurich?
A main course in a casual restaurant costs about CHF 25–40. Supermarket meals cost about CHF 8–15.
Is the Zurich Card worth it?
If you use a lot of public transport and visit museums in the same day, yes. Otherwise, a day pass may be enough.