A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lucerne vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lucerne or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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 Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Lucerne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $294, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $57. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lucerne $155
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lucerne $310
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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.

Hotels in Lucerne


Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


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 and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lucerne $14
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.12

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
  • Lucerne to Interlaken & Jungfrau Private Tour/Transfer: $562
  • Lucerne to St. Moritz: Private Day Tour or Transfer: $1,098
  • Lucerne to Zermatt: Private Day Trip or Transfer: $1,248
  • Private Transfer to Geneva with Montreux Stop: $1,373
  • Private Transfer between Lucerne & Engelberg / Mount Titlis: $200
  • Private Transfer from Engelberg to Lucerne: $177
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne City to Lucerne Train Station: $93
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Engelberg: $177
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $325
  • Private Transfer: Lucerne to Zurich Airport ZRH by Luxury Van: $212
  • Private Transfer: Luzern Train Station to/from Luzern Hotel: $126

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $291
  • Experience Estancia La Candelaria with transfer from Buenos Aires: $280
  • Rojo Tango Show Including Private Transfers: $260
  • Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
  • Gaucho Day: Areco Town & Estancia with Private Transfer: $249
  • Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
  • Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
  • Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
  • Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
  • Personalized Airport Transfers in Buenos Aires: $200
  • Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $192
  • Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 day
    Lucerne $122
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $28
  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $37
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Señor Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $45
  • BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lucerne $38
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $31
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne

For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 1 Day Bicycle Rental
    $38
  • The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee
    $40

Tours and Activities in Lucerne

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.

  • Lucerne Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.78
  • Lucerne Self Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.79
  • Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.24
  • Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $6.24
  • Walking Tour - Around the Old Town Lucerne: $6.32
  • Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.32
  • Lucerne Audio guided walking tour 1h40 and 28 audio reviews: $6.84
  • Lucerne Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.84
  • Lucerne Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
  • The Lives and Legends of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $12
  • Private Lucerne View and Photo Walking Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Único tour sobre la Historia del Tango (sin mitos): $60
  • "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
  • 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $160
  • 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (Optional Street Food): $54
  • @argentinahighlights City LGBTQ tour: $150
  • Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
  • Architectural tour of Buenos Aires: $35
  • Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
  • Argentine Football Graffiti of Messi and Maradona Tour: $120
  • Argentine Women Bike Tour: $45
  • Argentinian Cocktail Experience in Palermo to Mix and Connect: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lucerne $25
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:

  • Visit a microbrewery with a tasting: $149
  • Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $312
  • Private Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $323

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $35
  • Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • BA: Wine tour with 5 tasting stops in the heart of Palermo: $78
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
  • Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
  • Private Walking Tour & Argentine wine Tasting: $103


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lucerne is in Europe and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Lucerne has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Lucerne or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lucerne is generally cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lucerne usually gets less rain in July than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lucerne is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Lucerne is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Lucerne

Lucerne Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)