Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Porvoo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Porvoo 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 Porvoo 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: Porvoo or Lucerne?
Porvoo
Porvoo is a city and a municipality situated on the southern coast of Finland approximately 50 kilometers east of Helsinki. Porvoo is one of the six medieval towns in Finland, first mentioned as a city in texts from 14th century. Even though Porvoo is not exactly a coastal town, it is connected to the Gulf of Finland via the Porvoo River. The river flows through the city, passing Porvoo's most well-known landmarks: the red shore houses. Historically, Porvoo has been an important center of trade. Founded nearly 800 years ago, Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland and evidence of its long history can still be seen and felt as you walk its charming streets. For centuries, the city has served as both a home and a source of inspiration for many Finnish artists.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, 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 dayPorvoo €132Lucerne €200
The average daily cost (per person) in Porvoo is €132, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is €200. 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 Porvoo and Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPorvoo €69Lucerne €128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPorvoo €138Lucerne €256
Compare Hotels in Porvoo and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Porvoo 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: Porvoo Hotel Prices and Lucerne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Porvoo €56Lucerne €12
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 Porvoo or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Porvoo 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 dayPorvoo €30Lucerne €58
Typical Food Prices in Porvoo
For Porvoo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for 2€42
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.Porvoo €21Lucerne €32
Tours and Activities in Porvoo
For Porvoo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Tour: Porvoo Exclusive Journey: $604
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€32
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The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee€33
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 dayPorvoo €9.93Lucerne €21
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 Porvoo and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Porvoo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Porvoo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Porvoo 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 Porvoo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Porvoo Expensive? and Is Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Porvoo or Lucerne?
Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Porvoo. When comparing the sizes of Porvoo 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 Porvoo 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 Porvoo or Lucerne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porvoo and Lucerne. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
In July, Porvoo is generally cooler than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Porvoo average around 17°C (62°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lucerne this time of the year. In Porvoo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porvoo usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during summer. Porvoo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Porvoo usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Porvoo gets 58 mm (2.3 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 JulyPorvoo 17°C (62°F)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Porvoo or Lucerne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Porvoo as well as Lucerne. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Porvoo is much colder than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porvoo averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Porvoo often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Porvoo gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.
Porvoo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lucerne. Porvoo gets 71 mm (2.8 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 OctoberPorvoo 6°C (42°F)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Porvoo or Lucerne in the Winter?
Both Lucerne and Porvoo 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 Porvoo. In the winter, Porvoo is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porvoo in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Porvoo usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Porvoo gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Porvoo usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Porvoo gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPorvoo -6°C (21°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Porvoo or Lucerne in the Spring?
Both Lucerne and Porvoo during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Porvoo can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Porvoo is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Porvoo average around 3°C (37°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Porvoo often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Porvoo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.
Porvoo usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Porvoo gets 41 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 AprilPorvoo 3°C (37°F)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Porvoo
| Porvoo | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.