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

Should you visit Minsk or Lucerne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Lucerne, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Minsk or Lucerne?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Minsk?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is $214. 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 Minsk and Lucerne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minsk $32
    Lucerne $137
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minsk $64
    Lucerne $274
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Lucerne

Looking for a hotel in Minsk or Lucerne? 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 Minsk


Hotels in Lucerne


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minsk $12
    Lucerne $13

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
  • Private Transfer: Lucerne to Zurich Airport ZRH in Luxury Van: $186
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
  • Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne City to interlaken City: $299
  • Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $299

Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Lucerne?

Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Minsk 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
    Minsk $21
    Lucerne $62

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.
    Minsk $20
    Lucerne $34

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: $3.19
  • Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $5.47
  • Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
  • Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $5.47
  • Walking Tour - Around the Old Town Lucerne: $5.61
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
  • Lucerne Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.38
  • 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
  • Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minsk $14
    Lucerne $22

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

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


Which is Bigger, Minsk or Lucerne?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Minsk and Lucerne, 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 Minsk or Lucerne?

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 Minsk or Lucerne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Lucerne. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Minsk is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Minsk in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lucerne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Minsk this time of the year. In the summer, Minsk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Lucerne. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minsk 19°C (66°F) 
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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, Minsk is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (47°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minsk usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minsk 8°C (47°F) 
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Lucerne in the Winter?

Both Lucerne and Minsk during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lucerne can be very cold. Minsk can be very cold during winter. Minsk is much colder than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minsk -5°C (22°F) 
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Lucerne. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In the spring, Minsk is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Minsk in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Minsk usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minsk usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minsk 8°C (46°F) 
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Minsk

Minsk Lucerne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)