Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Debrecen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Debrecen or Lucerne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Debrecen or Lucerne? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Debrecen or Lucerne?
Debrecen
Finding its beginning as a collection of agricultural villages, Debrecen has grown to become the second largest city in Hungary as well as the regional center for the Northern Great Plain region. Highlights include the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen, Hortobagy National Park, Deri Museum, and the Debrecen Zoo and Botanical Garden.
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 10-Day Tours in Hungary, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Hungary, 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 dayDebrecen $66Lucerne $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Debrecen is $66, 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 Debrecen and Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDebrecen $33Lucerne $137
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDebrecen $66Lucerne $274
Compare Hotels in Debrecen and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Debrecen 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: Debrecen Hotel Prices and Lucerne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Debrecen $11Lucerne $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Debrecen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Debrecen:
- Debrecen - Budapest Transfer: $168
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
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
- Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
- Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
- LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
- INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
Is it cheaper to fly into Debrecen or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Debrecen 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 dayDebrecen $23Lucerne $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.Debrecen $17Lucerne $34
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 dayDebrecen $9.24Lucerne $22
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 Debrecen and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Debrecen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Debrecen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Debrecen 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 Debrecen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Debrecen Expensive? and Is Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Debrecen or Lucerne?
Debrecen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Debrecen 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 Debrecen 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 Debrecen or Lucerne in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Debrecen as well as Lucerne. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Debrecen is around the same temperature as Lucerne in the summer. The daily temperature in Debrecen averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Debrecen this time of the year. In the summer, Debrecen often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Debrecen gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.
Debrecen usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Debrecen gets 70 mm (2.8 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 JulyDebrecen 20°C (68°F)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Debrecen or Lucerne in the Autumn?
Both Lucerne and Debrecen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In the autumn, Debrecen is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Debrecen in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Lucerne averages at about 13°C (56°F).
Debrecen usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Debrecen gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 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 OctoberDebrecen 11°C (52°F)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Debrecen or Lucerne in the Winter?
Both Lucerne and Debrecen during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. It's quite cold in Debrecen in the winter. In January, Debrecen is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Debrecen average around -2°C (28°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Debrecen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Debrecen gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.
Debrecen usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Debrecen gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDebrecen -2°C (28°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Debrecen or Lucerne in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Debrecen and Lucerne. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Debrecen is around the same temperature as Lucerne in the spring. The daily temperature in Debrecen averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Debrecen usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Debrecen gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Debrecen usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Debrecen gets 50 mm (2 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 AprilDebrecen 11°C (52°F)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Debrecen
| Debrecen | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (39°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.