Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lucerne or Malmo?
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 Malmo. 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 Malmo?
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.
Malmo
Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.
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 Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLucerne $214Malmo $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Malmo is $81. 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 Malmo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucerne $137Malmo $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucerne $274Malmo $96
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Malmo
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Malmo? 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 Malmo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucerne $13Malmo $7.88
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:
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Malmö Bus Card$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo
Also for Malmo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128
- Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
- Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96
- Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
- Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
- Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Malmo?
Prices for flights to both Malmo 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 $62Malmo $25
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 Malmo
For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $59
- Guided Food Tour in Malmö (Private): $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lucerne $34Malmo $16
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 Malmo
For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $21
- Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
- Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
- Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
- Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.35
- Malmö Photography Tour: $58
- Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
- Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLucerne $22Malmo $35
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 Malmo, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Malmo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Malmo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Malmo?
Malmo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Malmo, 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 Malmo?
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 Malmo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Malmo. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malmo 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 Malmo during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Malmo. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLucerne 21°C (70°F)Malmo 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Malmo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Malmo. 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.
Lucerne is a little warmer than Malmo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Malmo. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Malmo. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLucerne 13°C (56°F)Malmo 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Malmo in the Winter?
Both Malmo and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Malmo in the winter. The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. In the winter, Lucerne is much warmer than Malmo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Malmo averages at about 0°C (32°F).
Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Malmo. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLucerne 3°C (37°F)Malmo 0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Malmo in the Spring?
Both Malmo and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In April, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Malmo. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLucerne 12°C (53°F)Malmo 5°C (42°F)
Typical Weather for Malmo and Lucerne
| Lucerne | Malmo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.