Cheap Accommodation in Switzerland: Hotels, Youth Hostels, or Airbnb?

October 23, 2026 - Daniel Dreier

How do the prices of hotels, youth hostels, and Airbnb stays in Switzerland compare? This moneyland.ch guide gives you an overview, and tells you what to pay attention to when booking accommodation in Switzerland.

Whether you are taking a weekend trip or taking a holiday, accommodation is often the biggest expense. In this guide, moneyland.ch looks at the costs of affordable accommodation in Switzerland.

Airbnb and other short-term rentals: Cheap, but unpredictable

Sampling of the 10 cheapest offers in each of Switzerland’s largest cities in winter of 2026 shows an average cost of around 85 francs per night for two people. That makes it the cheapest paid accommodation available. This is also generally the case in popular tourist destinations, though the difference to hotel prices is often smaller.

The downside: Because many of the offers are from private individuals, there can be huge differences when it comes to things like hygiene, quality and comfort, and privacy. This is especially true for the cheapest available offers.

Couchsurfing: A possible alternative

If you are okay with staying in other people’s homes, then sharing economy platforms like Couch Surfers, Trust Roots, Couchers, and Be Welcome are worth looking at. Users provide each other with free accommodation as a way to make new friends.

Youth hostels: The middle of the way

Prices vary somewhat between hostels, but moneyland.ch sampling of prices in Switzerland’s largest cities reveals an average price of around 98 francs for two people in a shared dorm, and around 132 francs per night for a private room with an en suite bathroom. Unlike Airbnb, those prices also include breakfast.

A benefit, compared to Airbnb, is that you benefit from commercial-grade services like receptionists, areas to socialize in, and consistent hygiene and housing standards.

Cheaper stays with membership

Many Swiss youth hostels are members of the Swiss youth hostel association. This association offers a membership for 30 Swiss francs per year (15 francs up to age 26). Members benefit from a discount of seven francs per person and night.

Hotels: Costly, but practical

Hotels are the classic option for travel accommodation, and there are good reasons for that. They generally adhere to fixed standards. Most have receptionists that can help you to check in and check out, provide information, and organize taxis, among other things. Some have additional amenities like restaurants, shuttle services, social events, pools, spas, and recreational facilities.

The tradeoff is the price. Sampling of hotel prices in Switzerland’s largest cities shows an average price of close to 135 francs per night for two people. That price generally does not include breakfast.

Tips for saving on hotel stays

Compared to Airbnb rental and youth hostels, hotel stays come with more possibilities for saving. You can find useful tips in the guide to getting cheaper hotel stays.

Camping: A possible alternative

If you have a vehicle suitable for camping, or a tent in the warmer months, staying at a campground can be a relatively cheap alternative. The average price for two people with a small tent is just over 40 francs per night across Switzerland’s largest cities. On the other hand, the cost of staying in the cabins, mobile homes, and luxury tents offered by Swiss campgrounds is similar to what you would pay for cheap airbnb, hostel, or hotel accommodations. You can find useful saving tips in the financial guide for campers.

Make sure to look at the full value

When booking accommodation, it is important to look at the full value you get. For example, if accommodations come with complimentary amenities that you would otherwise pay for, you should account for that when comparing prices. These may include breakfast, public transportation passes, shuttle services, recreational activities, and discounts for museums or cable cars, among other things.

Location is also important. Getting accommodations that are close to the places you need or want to be will save you time and transportation costs. This should also be accounted for.

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