Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Lucerne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Lucerne, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Akureyri or Lucerne?
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
Lucerne
Lucerne is a relatively small city in the center of Switzerland. It is located across the lake from Altdorf and it has a thriving tourism industry. It's close proximity to many of the major sights in the country make it a great base for exploration. Many people use it as a jumping off point for exploring Mount Rigi and the Rutli Meadow.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Lucerne $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is $214. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Akureyri and Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Lucerne $137
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Lucerne $274
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Lucerne? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Lucerne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Lucerne $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,336
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
- Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
- LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
- Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
- Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Akureyri change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAkureyri $35Lucerne $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Swiss Alps: Traditional Swiss Fondue Cooking Class: $82
- Lake Candlelight Dinner Cruise: $141
- From Zurich: 2-Day Mt.Titlis including 4-course dinner: $547
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Lucerne $34
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Private Tour with Myvatn Nature Baths by Luxury VAN: $1,957
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
- Goðafoss, Laufas & The Christmas House Tour: $122
- Hunt for the Northern Lights Photography Tour: $124
- Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Landscapes Tour: $155
- Mývatn Nature Baths and Goðafoss Waterfall Tour: $210
- Northern Lights Photography Tour: $141
- Northern Lights Tour: $107
- Northern Lights Tour in North Iceland: $120
- Siglufjörður Four Tunnel Private Day Tour: $748
- Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
- Zipline Tour: $90
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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1 Day Bicycle Rental$34
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The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee$35
Tours and Activities in Lucerne
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
- Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $5.47
- Walking Tour - Around the Old Town Lucerne: $5.60
- The Lives and Legends of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Lucerne Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- Porrentruy Secret Tour: $13
- Scavenger Hunt and Self-guided Walking Tour: $15
- Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience: $20
- Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Lucerne $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:
- Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
- 3 Hour Unique Wine Tour - Half Day in Swiss Alps: $166
- Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $273
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Akureyri much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Akureyri would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Akureyri and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne than you might in Akureyri.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Lucerne?
Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Lucerne, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Akureyri or Lucerne?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Akureyri or Lucerne in the Summer?
Both Lucerne and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Lucerne in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Lucerne. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Lucerne in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Lucerne. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. Akureyri can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Lucerne in the Spring?
Both Lucerne and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.