Affordable Accommodation in Zürich: Where to Stay on a Dime

Zürich is famous for its high living costs, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to experience its charm. Whether you’re a backpacker, a solo traveler, or a business visitor looking for a budget-friendly stay, Zürich offers a wealth of affordable options. In this guide, we’ll explore the best cheap places to stay, share insider booking tips, and provide a handy table that lists the top budget accommodations in the city.

Table of Contents

– Budget Hotels
– Hostels & Dorms
– Guesthouses & B&Bs
– Short‑Term Rentals & Shared Apartments
– Stay Outside the City Center
– Booking Tips on a Budget
– Affordable Accommodation Table
– FAQ
– Resources

Budget Hotels

When you hear “budget,” the first thing most people think of is hostels. But Zürich also hosts a range of well‑rated, no‑frills hotels that can fit comfortably into a tight travel budget.

Hotel	Neighborhood	Price (per night)	Notable Features
Motel One Zürich	Kreis 2	CHF 90‑110	Rooftop terrace, 24‑hour reception
Swissotel Zürich – Boutique	Kreis 1	CHF 80‑100	Historic 1886 building, free shuttle
Hotel Zürich	Kreis 1	CHF 70‑90	Family‑friendly, includes breakfast
Hotel Sempacher	Kreis 8	CHF 60‑80	Proximity to Sihlcity, compact rooms

Why choose a budget hotel?
- Reliable amenities (Wi-Fi, breakfast, luggage storage)
- Central locations mean fewer travel costs
- Often partner with local tours for discounted rates

Booking Tips

Look for “self‑check‑in” options for extra convenience.

Book directly through the hotel’s website for exclusive rates sometimes lower than OTA platforms.

Keep an eye out for “early‑bird” discounts if you plan to arrive early in the week.

Hostels & Dorms

Hostels are the canonical budget choice, offering private rooms and dormitories at a fraction of hotel prices. Zürich boasts several hostels that cater to travelers seeking comfort without a hefty price tag.

Hostel	Dorm Rate	Private Room	Highlights
Meininger Zürich	CHF 30	CHF 70	24‑hour front desk, communal bar
Zurich Youth Hostel	CHF 20	CHF 60	Central station location, social events
Hotel Wetzikon	CHF 25	CHF 55	Breakfast included
Backpacker Hotel Rote Kapelle	CHF 20	CHF 50	Garden terrace, free Wi-Fi

Why stay at a hostel?
- Social atmosphere – great for first‑time visitors to meet fellow travelers
- Flexibility: last‑minute booking possible
- Hostels often include free breakfast, bike rentals, or city tours

Tips for Hostel Stays

Book an “en-suite” if you value privacy over economy.

Read recent reviews focusing on the cleanliness and safety of the locker system.

Arrive early to claim a breakfast seat and get a feel for the hostel’s vibe.

Guesthouses & B&Bs

If you’re looking for a more intimate atmosphere, guesthouses (Pension) and bed‑and‑breakfasts offer cozy rooms and a local feel, usually at lower rates than hotels.

B&B	Price	What’s Included	Comments
B&B Löwen	CHF 65	Breakfast, Wi-Fi	Situated in a historic building
Pestalozzi Lodge	CHF 70	Garden, free Wi-Fi	Near Sihlcity and tram lines
Hotel Gips	CHF 58	Traditional meals, quiet rooms	Small family-run establishment

Tips:

Many B&Bs offer “late checkout” and “early check‑in” fees; you can often negotiate with host owners.

Some B&Bs are best known for their home‑cooked breakfast – try the local bread and cheese!

Short‑Term Rentals & Shared Apartments

Short‑term rentals on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com’s apartment section can be surprisingly budget‑friendly, especially if you travel in a group and split costs. Look for listings that offer a free cancellation policy and complimentary Wi‑Fi.

Platform	Property Type	Avg. Price (per night)	Notes
Airbnb	Shared apartment	CHF 50‑80	Usually includes the kitchen
Booking.com	Studio	CHF 55‑75	No extra cleaning fee
Expedia	1‑Bed shared	CHF 45‑70	Often near public transport
Vrbo	Room in a house	CHF 30‑50	Requires coordination with host

Pros: Flexibility in duration, opportunity to cook at lower cost.

Cons: Security of payment and house rules can vary; always read host reviews thoroughly.

Stay Outside the City Center

Venturing a bit further can drastically cut costs. Zürich’s public transport network (S-Bahn, trams, and buses) is world‑class, making distance less of a barrier.

Town	Distance to City Center	Typical Accommodation	Reason to Stay
Winterthur	25 min by S-Bahn	Budget Inns	Expensive hotels in Zürich – cheaper
Zollikon	15 min by tram	Guesthouses	Quiet area, close to lakeside
Neuhausen am Rheinfall	40 min by train	Hostels	Close to Rhine Falls – great day trip
Bülach	20 min by tram	B&Bs	Family‑friendly, more affordable rates

Key Insight:
A stay outside Zürich combined with a Swiss Travel Pass (or other pass) can save both on lodging and transportation, especially for day trips.

Booking Tips on a Budget

Book Early – the earlier you secure a room, the cheaper the rate, especially for hotels and hostels.

Use Price‑Comparison Sites – sites like Trivago, Kayak, or Skyscanner for hotel rates; for hostels use Hostelworld.

Check “Last Minute” Deals – you can snag steep discounts if you’re flexible.

Avoid Peak Season – July–August and winter holidays see the highest prices.

Sign Up for Loyalty Programs – many hotels have free nights after a certain number of stays.

Leverage Credit Card Offers – some cards provide travel insurance and discounts on hotel bookings.