Which place is cheaper, Gdansk or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lucerne or Gdansk?
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 Gdansk. 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 Gdansk?
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.
Gdansk
Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.
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 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLucerne $214Gdansk $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Gdansk is $54. 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 Gdansk in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucerne $137Gdansk $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucerne $274Gdansk $54
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Gdansk
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Gdansk? 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 and Gdansk Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucerne $13Gdansk $8.53
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
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
- LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
- Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
- Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:
- Transfer from Gdansk, Airport Gdansk to Torun: $291
- Taxi Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Toruń: $268
- Private Gdansk Transfer from Sopot: $267
- Warsaw/Deluxe Private Transfer Service: $248
- Taxi Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Bydgoszcz: $240
- Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Toruń: $219
- Private Transfer to/from Poznan: $211
- Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Grudziadz city: $210
- From Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour with Transfer: $192
- Transfer from Gdansk or Airport Gdansk to Slupsk: $189
- Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Łeba city: $188
- Private Transfer from Gdansk or Airport Gdansk GDN to Kwidzyn: $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Gdansk?
Prices for flights to both Gdansk 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
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Food Meals for one dayLucerne $62Gdansk $20
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.
- Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
- 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
- Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
- Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
- Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
- Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
- Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lucerne $34Gdansk $8.13
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
Tours and Activities in Gdansk
Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- #1 Polish Vodka Tasting Experience: $64
- 6 Hours Guided Tour through Gdansk Highlights: $240
- A cultural Private Tour of Gdansk Old Town: $165
- Amber Museum and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets: $125
- Amber Museum and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets : $128
- Artus Court and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets: $119
- Best of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot in 1-Day Private Car Tour: $225
- Bike Tour Gdańsk - Premium - Fun Guide - no Boredom. New offer : $43
- City Tour Gdańsk Hop on Hop off plus walking tour: $40
- Copernicus Trail in Frombork Private Tour from Gdansk by Car: $323
- Delicious Gdansk Craft Beer Tour: $76
- Deluxe Polish Vodka Tour Experience in Gdansk: $114
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLucerne $22Gdansk $4.74
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:
- Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
- Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
- Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Gdansk, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Gdansk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gdansk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gdansk 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 Gdansk.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Gdansk Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Gdansk?
Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Gdansk, 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 Gdansk?
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 Gdansk in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Gdansk. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Lucerne is a little warmer than Gdansk in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Gdansk fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gdansk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Gdansk. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLucerne 21°C (70°F)Gdansk 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Gdansk in the Autumn?
Both Gdansk and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Lucerne is much warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Gdansk averages at about 8°C (46°F).
Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLucerne 13°C (56°F)Gdansk 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Gdansk in the Winter?
Both Gdansk and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Gdansk in the winter. The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In January, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Gdansk. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLucerne 3°C (37°F)Gdansk -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Gdansk in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Gdansk. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
Lucerne is much warmer than Gdansk in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Gdansk fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Gdansk during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLucerne 12°C (53°F)Gdansk 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Gdansk and Lucerne
| Lucerne | Gdansk | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 39 mm (1.5 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.