Which place is cheaper, Balaton Lake or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lucerne or Balaton Lake?
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 Lucerne and Balaton Lake. 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: Lucerne or Balaton Lake?
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.
Balaton Lake
Balaton is a major freshwater lake in Hungary and the largest lake in Central Europe with a shoreline of 197 kilometers. The region around the lake is a popular holiday destination with a great number of resort towns and high-rise hotels to accommodate visitors seeking out lakeside activities, beaches, volcanic hills, and vineyards. Some of the towns are also very historic, offering examples from eighteenth-century art and architecture to castle ruins.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary, and The Best Luxury Tours to Hungary.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLucerne $214Balaton Lake $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Balaton Lake is $86. 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 Lucerne and Balaton Lake in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucerne $137Balaton Lake $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucerne $274Balaton Lake $96
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Balaton Lake
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Balaton Lake? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucerne $13Balaton Lake $12
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 Lucerne or Balaton Lake?
Prices for flights to both Balaton Lake and Lucerne 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
-
Food Meals for one dayLucerne $62Balaton Lake $27
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lucerne $34Balaton Lake $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
1 Day Bicycle Rental$34
-
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLucerne $22Balaton Lake $8.73
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 Lucerne and Balaton Lake, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Balaton Lake much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Balaton Lake would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Balaton Lake 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 Balaton Lake.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Balaton Lake Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Balaton Lake?
Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Balaton Lake. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Balaton Lake, 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 Lucerne or Balaton Lake?
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 Lucerne or Balaton Lake in the Summer?
Both Balaton Lake and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Lucerne is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
In Balaton Lake, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Balaton Lake. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 302 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Balaton Lake. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLucerne 21°C (70°F)Balaton Lake 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Balaton Lake in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Balaton Lake. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Balaton Lake averages at about 13°C (56°F).
Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Balaton Lake during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Balaton Lake. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLucerne 13°C (56°F)Balaton Lake 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Balaton Lake in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Balaton Lake. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Balaton Lake can be very cold. Lucerne can be very cold during winter. In January, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Balaton Lake. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).
In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Balaton Lake. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Balaton Lake receives 72 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Balaton Lake. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLucerne 3°C (37°F)Balaton Lake 0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Balaton Lake in the Spring?
Both Balaton Lake and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Lucerne is around the same temperature as Balaton Lake in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Balaton Lake fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Balaton Lake during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Balaton Lake receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Balaton Lake. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Balaton Lake receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLucerne 12°C (53°F)Balaton Lake 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Balaton Lake and Lucerne
| Lucerne | Balaton Lake | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.