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

Should you visit Lucerne or Maribor?

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 Maribor. 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 Maribor?

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.

Maribor

Located near the Austrian border is Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Maribor is surrounded by hills that are filled with wine vineyards, as well as the Mariborsko Pohorje mountain. The city is split in half by the Drava River. On the left bank of the river you'll find the city's old town.

The city draws tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy the world renowned wine, old town culture, and outdoor activities which include hiking and skiing. The city is a great jumping off point for many outdoor activities and for those hoping to see the countryside. If you're more the city type, Maribor also has plenty to offer. Head to the theater for a show, sip some wine in a town square, or soak in the beauty of a cathedral while you're in the area.

Maribor's climate is humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. During the winter months the average temperature hovers around freezing. The warmest month is July, when average temperatures often exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Maribor is also one of the sunniest cities in Slovenia.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Slovenia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Slovenia.


Which place is cheaper, Maribor 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 Maribor 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 Maribor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lucerne $137
    Maribor $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lucerne $274
    Maribor $94
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Maribor

Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Maribor? 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 Maribor


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 Maribor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lucerne $13
    Maribor $9.35

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Maribor

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Maribor:


  • Gondola (for 2)
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Maribor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Maribor:

  • Private Transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $252
  • Private transfer from Maribor to Ljubljana city: $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Maribor?

Prices for flights to both Maribor 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
    Maribor $28

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

Typical Food Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Maribor:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $26
  • Gostilnica Navogalu Cafe Lunch
    $8.04

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lucerne $34
    Maribor $9.18
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.

  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lucerne $22
    Maribor $12

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Maribor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Maribor:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Maribor, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Maribor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Maribor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Maribor 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 Maribor.

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


Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Maribor?

Maribor has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Maribor, 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 Maribor?

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 Maribor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Maribor. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Maribor in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Maribor fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Maribor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Maribor. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 266 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Maribor. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F) 
    Maribor 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Maribor in the Autumn?

Both Maribor and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

In the autumn, Lucerne is around the same temperature as Maribor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Maribor averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Maribor during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Maribor. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Maribor in the Winter?

Both Maribor and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Maribor can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In January, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Maribor. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Maribor fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Maribor. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Maribor receives 54 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Maribor. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F) 
    Maribor 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Maribor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Maribor. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lucerne is cooler than Maribor in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Maribor fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Maribor during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Maribor receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Maribor. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Maribor receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F) 
    Maribor 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Maribor and Lucerne

Lucerne Maribor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)