Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Budapest. 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.
Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Lucerne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its big city activities, while Lucerne is known for its food. Lucerne is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Budapest and Lucerne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Budapest and Lucerne.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.
Budapest offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Lucerne is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Lucerne has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.
Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.
The vibe at night is high quality in both Lucerne and Budapest.
Many people head to Lucerne for the nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.
Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Lucerne and Budapest.
There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.
Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.
If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Budapest both offer plenty of high quality spots.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.
Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.
Both Lucerne and Budapest are good family-friendly destinations.
Lucerne offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.
Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.
Lucerne and Budapest both high quality destinations for a couple.
Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.
Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.
Budapest is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.
A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.
Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.
Budapest is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.
Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.
Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.
Budapest is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
Budapest has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.
Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.
Budapest is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.
Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.
For even more information, also check out Is Lucerne Worth Visiting? and Is Budapest Worth Visiting?.
In either Lucerne or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Lucerne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.
Couples should spend more time in Budapest than Lucerne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Budapest that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Lucerne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Budapest.
The beautiful city of Lucerne offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Lucerne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lucerne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer.
Lucerne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Lucerne is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $218, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $90. 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 Budapest in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Budapest? 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.
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Budapest 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Budapest, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Budapest, 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.
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.
Both Budapest and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Budapest. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Budapest and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Lucerne is a little warmer than Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Budapest. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Lucerne can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).
Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Budapest. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Budapest. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.
In April, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Lucerne | Budapest | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |