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

Should you visit Tampere 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 Tampere and Lucerne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Tampere or Lucerne?

Tampere

Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.

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 10-Day Tours from Helsinki, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Tampere?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampere is €148, 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 Tampere and Lucerne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampere 80
    Lucerne 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampere 160
    Lucerne 256
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Lucerne

Looking for a hotel in Tampere 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 Tampere


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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Lucerne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampere 59
    Lucerne 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere

Also for Tampere, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Helicopter Transfer to Helsinki Airport: $1,577
  • Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucerne

Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 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
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $257
  • Rafting in Interlaken with Return Transfer from Lucerne: $257
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Bad Ragaz Resorts - Round-Trip Transfer: $251
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich English Speaking Driver: $134
  • Bad Ragaz Resorts to Zurich Airport ZRH - Departure Transfer: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Lucerne?

Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Tampere 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
    Tampere 33
    Lucerne 58

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.
    Tampere 24
    Lucerne 32

Tours and Activities in Tampere

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.

  • Enchanting Tampere Romantic Walking Tour: $659
  • Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $180
  • Unique Corners of Tampere - Walking Tour: $523

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne

For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • 1 Day Bicycle Rental
    32
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampere 10
    Lucerne 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 Tampere and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Tampere much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tampere would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tampere 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 Tampere.

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


Which is Bigger, Tampere or Lucerne?

Tampere has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Tampere 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 Tampere 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 Tampere or Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tampere is cooler than Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tampere in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Lucerne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tampere. Tampere usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lucerne during summer. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tampere usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampere 16°C (61°F) 
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Lucerne in the Autumn?

Both Lucerne and Tampere during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, 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.

In October, Tampere is generally much colder than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around 5°C (42°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Lucerne. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets less rain in October than Lucerne. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampere 5°C (42°F) 
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Lucerne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Lucerne. Also, 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 Tampere can be very cold. Tampere is much colder than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Lucerne during winter. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tampere usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampere -7°C (19°F) 
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Lucerne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Lucerne. Also, many travelers come to Lucerne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Tampere in the spring. In the spring, Tampere is much colder than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tampere in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Tampere often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets less rain in April than Lucerne. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampere 3°C (38°F) 
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Tampere

Tampere Lucerne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -4°C (24°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)