Which place is cheaper, Tihany or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lucerne or Tihany?
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 Tihany. 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 Tihany?
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.
Tihany
Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLucerne $214Tihany $44
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Tihany is $44. 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 Tihany in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucerne $137Tihany $19
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucerne $274Tihany $38
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Tihany
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Tihany? 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 Tihany Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucerne $13Tihany $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 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
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Tihany?
Prices for flights to both Tihany 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 dayLucerne $62Tihany $18
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 $34Tihany $4.82
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
Tours and Activities in Tihany
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.
- The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
- Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
- Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
- Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
- Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
- Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLucerne $22Tihany $6.58
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany
Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Tihany, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Tihany much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tihany would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tihany 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 Tihany.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Tihany Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Tihany?
Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Tihany, 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 Tihany?
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 Tihany in the Summer?
Both Tihany and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In July, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Tihany. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Tihany. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Tihany. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLucerne 21°C (70°F)Tihany 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Tihany in the Autumn?
Both Tihany and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Lucerne is a little warmer than Tihany in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the autumn, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Tihany. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLucerne 13°C (56°F)Tihany 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Tihany in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Tihany. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Tihany can be very cold during winter. Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much warmer than Tihany. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Tihany averages at about -1°C (31°F).
Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Tihany. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLucerne 3°C (37°F)Tihany -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Tihany in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Tihany. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Tihany. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Tihany. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLucerne 12°C (53°F)Tihany 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Tihany and Lucerne
| Lucerne | Tihany | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 27 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 40 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.