Lyonis 45% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (25/10) vs Zurich "Pricey" (21/10). Dorms avg $30/night vs $73/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇫🇷 Lyon
🇨🇭 Zurich
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★9 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
★★★★★5 hostels, avg 8.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $82/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $137/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $4.08, dorms avg $30
★★★★★Coffee $7.32, dorms avg $73
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $8.25, 9 hostels
★★★★★Beer $10.31, 5 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 🇨🇭 Zurich | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $50 cheaper | $92 | $41/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $83 cheaper | $156 | $73/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $129 cheaper | $245 | $116/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇫🇷 Lyon | 🇨🇭 Zurich |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $17.68 46% less | $32.88 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $35.37 54% less | $77.36 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $8.25 20% less | $10.31 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.08 44% less | $7.32 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2.48 58% less | $5.93 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇫🇷25
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $30/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelMeininger Lyon Centre Berthelot (9.4)
Annual dorm avg$30/night
Total hostels9
🇨🇭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
City to City
Getting Between Lyon & Zurich
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇫🇷 Lyon
🌧 Rainfall: 75mm/month
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
🇨🇭 Zurich
🌧 Rainfall: 110mm/month
Best months: Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇫🇷 Lyon
1. Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de l…
2. Musée urbain Tony Garnier
3. Statue équestre de Louis XIVFree
4. Veilleur de pierreFree
5. "A Burdeau"Free
🇨🇭 Zurich
1. ForchdenkmalFree
2. HeurekaFree
3. Museum für Gestaltung
4. AussichtsturmFree
5. Galerie Anna BushumovaFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Lyon or Zurich cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Lyon vs Zurich?+
Do I need a visa for Lyon or Zurich?+
When is the best time to visit Lyon or Zurich?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Lyon and Zurich?+
Keep Exploring
People Also Compared
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