Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Sigulda?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sigulda or Lucerne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sigulda and Lucerne can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Sigulda or Lucerne?
Sigulda
Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.
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 daySigulda €24Lucerne €200
The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, 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 Sigulda and Lucerne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSigulda €16Lucerne €128
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSigulda €32Lucerne €256
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Lucerne
Looking for a hotel in Sigulda 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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Lucerne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sigulda -Lucerne €12
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
- From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
- 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
- Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
- Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
- Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Lucerne?
Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Sigulda 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 daySigulda €7.81Lucerne €58
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:
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Pastry€1.85
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.Sigulda -Lucerne €32
Tours and Activities in Sigulda
Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218
- From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
- Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
- Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
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.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $5.47
- Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $5.47
- Walking Tour - Around the Old Town Lucerne: $5.60
- The Lives and Legends of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Lucerne Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySigulda -Lucerne €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:
- Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144
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 Sigulda and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Sigulda.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sigulda Expensive? and Is Lucerne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Lucerne?
Lucerne has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Lucerne in the Summer?
Both Lucerne and Sigulda during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Sigulda is generally cooler than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 17°C (63°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Sigulda usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySigulda 17°C (63°F)Lucerne 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Lucerne in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Lucerne. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Sigulda is much colder than Lucerne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In October, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSigulda 7°C (45°F)Lucerne 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Lucerne in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Lucerne. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.
It's quite cold in Lucerne in the winter. The weather in Sigulda can be very cold. In the winter, Sigulda is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sigulda in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Lucerne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Sigulda usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySigulda -5°C (23°F)Lucerne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Sigulda or Lucerne in the Spring?
Both Lucerne and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Sigulda is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 5°C (42°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In April, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSigulda 5°C (42°F)Lucerne 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Lucerne and Sigulda
| Sigulda | Lucerne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (31°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (53°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.