Zurichis 9% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (21/10) vs Interlaken "Pricey" (19/10). 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
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇨🇭 Interlaken | 🇨🇭 Zurich | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $101 | $92 cheaper | $9/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $129 cheaper | $156 | $26/day |
Flashpacker 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
🇨🇭19
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $56/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelBackpackers Villa Sonnenhof Hostel Interlaken (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$56/night
Total hostels5
🇨🇭21
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $73/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelCapsule Hotel Zurich Airport (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$73/night
Total hostels5
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇨🇭 Interlaken
🇨🇭 Zurich
City to City
Getting Between Interlaken & Zurich
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇨🇭 Interlaken
🌧 Rainfall: 134mm/month
Best months: Mar
🇨🇭 Zurich
🌧 Rainfall: 110mm/month
Best months: Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇨🇭 Interlaken
1. OberberghornFree
2. Sigriswiler RothornFree
3. DaubeFree
4. HeimwehfluhFree
5. LeiterhornFree
🇨🇭 Zurich
1. ForchdenkmalFree
2. HeurekaFree
3. Museum für Gestaltung
4. AussichtsturmFree
5. Galerie Anna BushumovaFree
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?+
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