Zurichis 9% cheaper — BDI "Fair" (40/10) vs Interlaken "Pricey" (37/10). Dorms avg $56/night vs $73/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇨🇭 Interlaken
🇨🇭 Zurich
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $157/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $137/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $5.80, dorms avg $56
★★★★★
Coffee $7.32, dorms avg $73
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $8.70, 5 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $10.31, 5 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
18 attractions
★★★★★
17 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇨🇭 Interlaken | 🇨🇭 Zurich | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $101 | $92 cheaper | $9/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $129 cheaper | $156 | $26/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $169 cheaper | $245 | $75/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇨🇭 Interlaken | 🇨🇭 Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $39.97 | $32.88 18% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $51.57 33% less | $77.36 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $8.70 16% less | $10.31 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $5.80 21% less | $7.32 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $4.38 26% less | $5.93 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇨🇭▼
Interlaken
Switzerland
37
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $56/night). Plenty to see (18 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelInterlaken Youth Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$56/night
Total hostels5
🇨🇭▼
Zurich
Switzerland
40
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $73/night). Plenty to see (17 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelCapsule Hotel Zurich Airport (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$73/night
Total hostels5
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇨🇭 Interlaken
🇨🇭 Zurich
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Interlaken & Zurich
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇨🇭 Interlaken
13°C
High
/
4°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 128mm/month
Best months: Apr
🇨🇭 Zurich
15°C
High
/
5°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 111mm/month
Best months: Apr
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇨🇭 Interlaken
1. Ruine Schadburg
2. Oberberghorn
3. Ruine Rotenfluh
4. Sigriswiler Rothorn
5. Adolf Guyer
🇨🇭 Zurich
1. Forchdenkmal
2. Heureka
3. Museum für Gestaltung
4. Zivilschutzmuseum
5. Aussichtsturm
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Interlaken or Zurich cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Interlaken vs Zurich?+
Do I need a visa for Interlaken or Zurich?+
When is the best time to visit Interlaken or Zurich?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Interlaken and Zurich?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
Keep Exploring
Explore These Cities
Ready to book?
Plan a trip to both cities
Full itinerary with real-time flights, hostels & transport — built on our 64k+ price index.
Build Your Itinerary →Free · No account required · Results in under 30 seconds