Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lucerne or Gothenburg?
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 Gothenburg. 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 Gothenburg?
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.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
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 Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLucerne $214Gothenburg $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $97. 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 Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucerne $137Gothenburg $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucerne $274Gothenburg $80
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucerne $13Gothenburg $18
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $153
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $145
- Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $145
- Departure Private Transfers from Gothenburg City to Gothenburg Airport GOT: $120
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
- Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg 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 $62Gothenburg $38
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.Lucerne $34Gothenburg $15
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.
- 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
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Days Private Tour in Gothenburg: $300
- 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
- After Dark in A Guided Nightlife Tour: $263
- Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
- Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $113
- City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
- Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
- Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $918
- Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
- Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
- Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $113
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLucerne $22Gothenburg $20
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 Gothenburg, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Gothenburg?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Gothenburg, 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 Gothenburg?
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 Lucerne or Gothenburg in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Gothenburg. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
Lucerne is a little warmer than Gothenburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gothenburg this time of the year. In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gothenburg during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLucerne 21°C (70°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Gothenburg. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Lucerne is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 9°C (47°F).
In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets less rain in October than Gothenburg. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLucerne 13°C (56°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Gothenburg in the Winter?
Both Gothenburg and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).
Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLucerne 3°C (37°F)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Gothenburg in the Spring?
Both Gothenburg and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Lucerne is much warmer than Gothenburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Gothenburg. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Gothenburg. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLucerne 12°C (53°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Lucerne
| Lucerne | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (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.