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

Should you visit Lucerne or Pecs?

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 Pecs. 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 Pecs?

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.

Pecs

Located in southwest Hungary, Pecs is a pleasant university town with a history that dates back to Roman times - a history evident in its ancient architecture. Some of the most sought after sites include the Early Christian Necropolis, the Mosque of Pasha Quasim, and the Cathedral of Pecs.

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 Tours for Seniors to Hungary, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Pecs 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 Pecs is $80. 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 Pecs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lucerne $137
    Pecs $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lucerne $274
    Pecs $74
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Pecs

Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Pecs? 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 Pecs


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 Pecs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lucerne $13
    Pecs $17

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pecs

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pecs:

  • Pécs - Budapest Transfer: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Pecs?

Prices for flights to both Pecs 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
    Pecs $29

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 Pecs

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lucerne $34
    Pecs $17
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

Tours and Activities in Pecs

Here are a few actual costs in Pecs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Mineral Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lucerne $22
    Pecs $8.30

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

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


Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Pecs?

Pecs has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Pecs, 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 Pecs?

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 Pecs in the Summer?

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

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Pecs in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Pecs fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pecs. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Pecs. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 302 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Pecs. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F) 
    Pecs 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Pecs in the Autumn?

Both Pecs 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 Pecs. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Pecs averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Pecs. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Lucerne or Pecs in the Winter?

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

Pecs can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. In January, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Pecs. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Pecs fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Pecs. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 72 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Pecs. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F) 
    Pecs 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Lucerne or Pecs in the Spring?

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

Lucerne is around the same temperature as Pecs in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Pecs fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Pecs during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Pecs. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F) 
    Pecs 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pecs and Lucerne

Lucerne Pecs
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in) 0°C (32°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)