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

Should you visit Lucerne or Levi?

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 Levi. 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 Levi?

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.

Levi

Levi is a micro city or resort town in the village if Sirkka in Finnish Lapland. In Levi, being impressed by the natural surroundings is inescapable: from river valleys and frozen lakes up to the fells with spectacular views over the Lappish landscape, Levi is all about northern nature at its best. During the winter months, from mid-November to mid-May, Levi is Finland's most popular ski resort with a total of 44 runs serviced by 28 lifts. Its Samiland Exhibition explores the culture of the indigenous Sami people through photos, objects and recreated buildings. Nearby is Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, with its Arctic fells and remains of the Linkupalo Volcano.

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 Luxury Tours to Finland, and The Best Budget Tours to Finland.


Which place is cheaper, Levi or Lucerne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Levi is $136. 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 Levi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lucerne $137
    Levi $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lucerne $274
    Levi $132
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Levi

Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Levi? 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 Levi


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 Levi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lucerne $13
    Levi $52

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Levi?

Prices for flights to both Levi 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 $62
    Levi $36

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 $34
    Levi $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
    $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.

  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lucerne $22
    Levi $9.95

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 Levi, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Levi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Levi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Levi 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 Levi.

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



When is the best time to visit Lucerne or Levi?

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 Levi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Levi. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Levi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Levi averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Levi this time of the year. In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Levi during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Levi receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Levi. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Levi receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F) 
    Levi 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Levi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Levi. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Levi. In October, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Levi. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Levi fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Levi. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Levi receives 59 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Levi. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Levi receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F) 
    Levi 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Levi in the Winter?

Both Levi and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Levi can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. Lucerne is much warmer than Levi in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Levi fluctuates around -15°C (5°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Levi during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Levi receives 11 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Levi. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Levi receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F) 
    Levi -15°C (5°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Levi in the Spring?

Both Levi and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Levi can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Lucerne is much warmer than Levi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Levi averages at about -1°C (30°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Levi. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Levi receives 196 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Levi. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Levi receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F) 
    Levi -1°C (30°F)

Typical Weather for Levi and Lucerne

Lucerne Levi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) -15°C (5°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -13°C (8°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) -8°C (18°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) -1°C (30°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 6°C (43°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 0°C (33°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) -8°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) -13°C (9°F) 24 mm (1 in)