A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lulea vs. Dresden for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lulea or Dresden?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lulea and Dresden can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Lulea or Dresden?

Lulea

Lulea is in northern Sweden, in Norrbotten. It's a mid sized city with about 70,000 residents. It also has a technical university, the Lulea University of Technology, which was created in 1971. The city of Lulea is located at the mouth of Lule River on the Gulf of Bothnia. The city's economy is focused on research, education, trade and services. The university's educational programs appeal to new businesses that range from local companies to multinational corporations. There is also a prominant IT sector in the city.

Dresden

As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Adventure Tours to Sweden, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Lulea?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lulea is $105, while the average daily cost in Dresden is $145. 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 Lulea and Dresden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lulea $55
    Dresden $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lulea $110
    Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Lulea and Dresden

Looking for a hotel in Lulea or Dresden? 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 Lulea


Hotels in Dresden


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: Lulea Hotel Prices and Dresden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lulea $21
    Dresden $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:

  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
  • Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
  • One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
  • Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
  • Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158

Is it cheaper to fly into Lulea or Dresden?

Prices for flights to both Dresden and Lulea 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
    Lulea $35
    Dresden $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dresden

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.

  • Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
  • Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lulea $16
    Dresden $10

Tours and Activities in Dresden

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • River Elbe Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Old Town Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $7.99
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $8.45
  • Tour of VW's Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • The Green Factory Tour VW Transparent Factory: $9.62
  • Special Tour for Children & Families VW Factory: $9.62

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lulea $18
    Dresden $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:

  • Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
  • Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
  • Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lulea and Dresden, we can see that Dresden is more expensive. And not only is Lulea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lulea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lulea 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden than you might in Lulea.

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


Which is Bigger, Lulea or Dresden?

Dresden has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lulea. When comparing the sizes of Lulea and Dresden, 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 Lulea or Dresden?

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 Lulea or Dresden in the Summer?

Both Dresden and Lulea are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Dresden in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Lulea is cooler than Dresden in the summer. The daily temperature in Lulea averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Dresden fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Lulea usually receives less rain than Dresden. Lulea gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lulea 15°C (60°F) 
    Dresden 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Dresden in the Autumn?

Both Dresden and Lulea during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dresden for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Lulea can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Lulea is much colder than Dresden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lulea in October average around 2°C (36°F), and Dresden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Lulea usually gets more rain in October than Dresden. Lulea gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lulea 2°C (36°F) 
    Dresden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Dresden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lulea and Dresden. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dresden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Dresden can be very cold. Lulea can be very cold during winter. In January, Lulea is generally much colder than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Lulea average around -12°C (10°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In January, Lulea usually receives more rain than Dresden. Lulea gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lulea -12°C (10°F) 
    Dresden 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Lulea or Dresden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lulea as well as Dresden. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.

The weather in Lulea can be very cold. Lulea is much colder than Dresden in the spring. The daily temperature in Lulea averages around -1°C (31°F) in April, and Dresden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Lulea usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Lulea gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lulea -1°C (31°F) 
    Dresden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Dresden and Lulea

Lulea Dresden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -12°C (10°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -12°C (11°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -7°C (19°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr -1°C (31°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 2°C (36°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov -4°C (24°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec -10°C (15°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)