Which place is cheaper, Uppsala or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lucerne or Uppsala?
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 Uppsala. 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 Uppsala?
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.
Uppsala
Uppsala is a college town in Sweden, located about 40 minutes north of Stockholm. Home to two universities, Uppsala is the 4th largest city in Sweden and features a huge diversity in culture. The Fyris River divides the city into the historic and modern sides of the city, each one with their own unique culture and sights to see. The area features fairly cool weather year-round, with temperatures in the 30's Fahrenheit from November-April and May-October seeing temperatures in the 40's and 50's Fahrenheit. The best time to visit it from May-July when temperatures are at their highest and there's plenty of sunshine.
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 Luxury Tours to Sweden, and The Best Budget Tours to Sweden.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLucerne $214Uppsala $135
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Uppsala is $135. 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 Uppsala in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLucerne $137Uppsala $89
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLucerne $274Uppsala $178
Compare Hotels in Lucerne and Uppsala
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne or Uppsala? 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 Uppsala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lucerne $13Uppsala $19
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uppsala
Also for Uppsala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Uppsala City to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) - Departure Private Transfer: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Lucerne or Uppsala?
Prices for flights to both Uppsala 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 $62Uppsala $32
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 $34Uppsala $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.
- 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 Uppsala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Uppsala.
- From Stockholm: Viking History Tour to Sigtuna and Uppsala: $164
- Guided 1h walking tour of Uppsala city's must see big attractions!!: $55
- Guided tour 90min at Old Uppsala mounds and old Uppsala church: $75
- Medieval horror, undead and dark folklore walk Uppsala city - open tour: $31
- Private 1h tour of famous Old Uppsala mounds and mediveal church: $83
- Private guided 1h walking tour of Uppsala city's must see big attractions!!: $99
- Private tour, A Dark perspective, the dark Uppsala city walk, about a dark past!: $113
- Swedish Lifestyle and Private Walking Tour of Uppsala: $120
- Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
- Uppsala Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Vasatid at Uppsala Castle 1h - a guided tour in Uppsala: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLucerne $22Uppsala $17
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 Uppsala, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Uppsala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Uppsala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Uppsala 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 Uppsala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lucerne Expensive? and Is Uppsala Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Uppsala?
Uppsala has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Uppsala, 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 Uppsala?
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 Uppsala in the Summer?
Both Uppsala and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Uppsala. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Uppsala averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Uppsala. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Uppsala during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Uppsala. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLucerne 21°C (70°F)Uppsala 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Uppsala in the Autumn?
Both Uppsala and Lucerne during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.
In October, Lucerne is generally much warmer than Uppsala. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Uppsala fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Uppsala. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 99 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in October than Uppsala. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLucerne 13°C (56°F)Uppsala 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Uppsala in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Uppsala. The winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Uppsala in the winter. The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. Lucerne is much warmer than Uppsala in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Uppsala fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Uppsala during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Uppsala receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Uppsala. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLucerne 3°C (37°F)Uppsala -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Lucerne or Uppsala in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Uppsala. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In the spring, Lucerne is much warmer than Uppsala. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Uppsala averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Uppsala. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Uppsala receives 185 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Uppsala. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Uppsala receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLucerne 12°C (53°F)Uppsala 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Uppsala and Lucerne
| Lucerne | Uppsala | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.