Which place is cheaper, Lima or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Lucerne or Lima?
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 Lima. 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Lucerne Prices
Switzerland PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLucerne $302Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $302, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucerne $159Lima $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucerne $318Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucerne $15Lima $6.06
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
- Private Transfer between Lucerne & Engelberg / Mount Titlis: $201
- Private direct transfer from Lucerne to Basel, local driver: $246
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $308
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $327
- From Basel, Basel Port, Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $428
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Basel, Basel Port, Airport: $428
- St Moritz: Private transfer from Zurich airport to St Moritz: $597
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $269
- Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $263
- Private Transfer from Pisco Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $201
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport to Lima: $59
- Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $55
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- Lima J Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- Lima Airport Transfers by SUV/Van: $43
- Assistance - Transfer Cusco Airport to Hotel & Viceversa: $40
- Tour Magic Water Park in Lima with Small Group Transfer: $38
- Private Lima Airport Transfer - Minivan 24hrs: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $125Lima $32
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lucerne $39Lima $9.15
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$39
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The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee$41
Tours and Activities in Lucerne
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
- Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.29
- Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $6.29
- Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.29
- Porrentruy Secret Tour: $13
- Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience: $23
- Culture & Congress Centre Behind the Scenes Tour: $25
- Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide: $31
- Official Guided City Tour of Lucerne: $32
- Round-Trip Catamaran Cruise on Lake Lucerne: $35
- Lake Lucerne 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise : $35
- Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $37
- 1-Hour Historical Tour with Night Watchman: $38
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Tour From Lima (Private Group): $190
- Cycling Tour Miraflores - Barranco - Chorrillos: $30
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- Private Classic City Tour Experience of Lima: $65
- Private Stopover Tour of Lima from the Airport: $150
- Sunset in Huacachina and Tacama: Private Tour from Lima: $220
- #1 Full Day Tour From Paracas and Huacachina Oasis: $59
- 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2 Days 1 Night Paracas Ica Tour from Lima: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLucerne $25Lima $5.95
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
- Walking and Boat Tour with Cheese & Wine Tasting: $112
- Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $314
- Private Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $326
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Lima, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lucerne is in Europe and Lima 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Lima, 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 Lima?
Lucerne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Lucerne or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Lima. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLucerne 21°C (70°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Lima. 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. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Lucerne is generally cooler than Lima. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Lima. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLucerne 13°C (56°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Lima. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. Lucerne is much colder than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Lima. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLucerne 3°C (37°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Lucerne is much colder than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Lima during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Lima. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLucerne 12°C (53°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Lucerne
| Lucerne | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.