Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Kemi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kemi or Lucerne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kemi and Lucerne. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Kemi or Lucerne?
Kemi
Kemi is a town on Bothnian Bay in Lapland, Finland. It's known for the massive Sampo icebreaker, a giant ship built to ply the Arctic waters. The main economic activity in Kemi is centered on two large paper and wood pulp mills and on the only chromium mine in Europe. Kemi also has a claim to fame as the home of the world's largest snow castle (reconstructed every year with a different design). The SnowCastle is usually located at the inner harbor of Kemi.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure Tours to Finland, 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 dayKemi €134Lucerne €200
The average daily cost (per person) in Kemi is €134, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is €200. 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 Kemi and Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKemi €74Lucerne €128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKemi €148Lucerne €256
Compare Hotels in Kemi and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Kemi 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: Lucerne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kemi €39Lucerne €12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- 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
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Kemi or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Kemi 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 dayKemi €34Lucerne €58
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.Kemi €29Lucerne €32
Tours and Activities in Kemi
For Kemi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- SnowExperience365 Kemi entrance: $19
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€32
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The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee€33
Tours and Activities in Lucerne
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
- A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $275
- A Wonderful Christmas Tour in Lucerne: $534
- Alpine Majesty: Private Tour to Mount Titlis from Luzern: $563
- Alpine Majesty:Luzern to Jungfraujoch Exclusive Private Tour: $821
- Basel: Swiss Alps Glacier Express Train Ride & Lucerne Tour: $760
- Best of Lucerne Walking Photography Tour: $179
- Burgenstock Private Tour: Mt. Rigis & Lake of Lucerne Cruise: $585
- City tour plus Lucerne: $95
- Day Trip from Grindelwald First Mountain Adventure: $174
- Day Trip to Swiss Villages from Lucerne - Small Group tour by Car: $200
- Early morning tour: $213
- Exploring Lucerne with Friends: A Local Experience ❤: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKemi €12Lucerne €21
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 Kemi and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Kemi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kemi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kemi 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 Kemi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kemi Expensive? and Is Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kemi or Lucerne?
Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kemi. When comparing the sizes of Kemi 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 Kemi or Lucerne?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Kemi or Lucerne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kemi and Lucerne. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In the summer, Kemi is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kemi in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In Kemi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kemi usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Kemi gets 304 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kemi usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Kemi gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKemi 15°C (60°F)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Kemi or Lucerne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kemi as well as Lucerne. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
It's quite cold in Kemi in the autumn. In October, Kemi is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Kemi average around 2°C (36°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Kemi often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Kemi gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.
Kemi usually gets less rain in October than Lucerne. Kemi gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKemi 2°C (36°F)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Kemi or Lucerne in the Winter?
Both Lucerne and Kemi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Kemi. Kemi is much colder than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Kemi averages around -12°C (10°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Kemi usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Kemi gets 19 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kemi usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Kemi gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKemi -12°C (10°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Kemi or Lucerne in the Spring?
Both Lucerne and Kemi during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Kemi can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Kemi is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kemi in April average around -1°C (31°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Kemi often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Kemi gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.
Kemi usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Kemi gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKemi -1°C (31°F)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Kemi
| Kemi | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -12°C (10°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -12°C (11°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -7°C (19°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | -1°C (31°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 2°C (36°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -10°C (15°F) | 42 mm (1.7 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.