Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Lucerne?
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 Moscow and Lucerne. 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: Moscow or Lucerne?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Lucerne $214
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, 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 Moscow and Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Lucerne $137
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Lucerne $274
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Lucerne $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Singkarak to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Rangkiang Luluih to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $134
- Private Transfer from Bukit Baru to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to 8 ILIR: $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Duku: $93
- Private Transfer from Talang Jambe to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Palembang Airport (PLM) to Karya Baru: $93
- Private Transfer from Kelurahan Sail to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $68
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $284
- Lucerne City to Zurich City One-Way Private Transfer : $300
- Private transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne: $547
- LAUTERBRUNNEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $722
- INTERLAKEN Private Transfer from Zurich Airport: $744
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Moscow 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
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Food Meals for one dayMoscow $14Lucerne $62
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Lucerne $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom Private Tour in Palembang with English Speaking Driver: $85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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1 Day Bicycle Rental$34
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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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Lucerne $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 Moscow and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moscow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moscow 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 Moscow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Lucerne?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 Moscow or Lucerne?
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 Moscow or Lucerne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Lucerne. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In July, Moscow is generally around the same temperature as Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 19°C (67°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In July, Moscow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lucerne. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Lucerne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Lucerne. Additionally, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Moscow is much colder than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Lucerne. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Lucerne in the Winter?
Both Lucerne and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Lucerne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Lucerne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Moscow. In the winter, Moscow is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Moscow in January average around -8°C (17°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Lucerne in the Spring?
Both Lucerne and Moscow during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Moscow is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 7°C (45°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Moscow
| Moscow | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.