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

Should you visit Aqaba or Lucerne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba 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: Aqaba or Lucerne?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Lucerne or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Lucerne is $302. 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 Aqaba and Lucerne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Lucerne $159
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Lucerne $318
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Lucerne

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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 Aqaba


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Lucerne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Lucerne $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
  • Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
  • Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
  • Private Transfer Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150
  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
  • Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Hotels: $133

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 Basel, Basel Port, Airport: Private Transfer to Lucerne: $428
  • From Canyoning in Interlaken w/ Return Transfer: $308
  • Private Transfer between Lucerne & Engelberg / Mount Titlis: $201
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Basel, Basel Port, Airport: $428
  • Private Transfer from Lucerne to Zurich Airport: $327
  • Private direct transfer from Lucerne to Basel, local driver: $247
  • St Moritz: Private transfer from Zurich airport to St Moritz: $597

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Lucerne?

Prices for flights to both Lucerne and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
    Lucerne $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.

  • Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Lucerne $39

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
  • Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
  • 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $70
  • 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
  • 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2-Hour Desert Guided Activities Tour in Wadi Rum: $50
  • 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $45
  • 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $202

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lucerne

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


  • 1 Day Bicycle Rental
    $39
  • The Swiss Transport Museum Entrance Fee
    $41

Tours and Activities in Lucerne

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

  • Smartphone walking tour - cool Lucerne old town: $6.29
  • Revealing Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.29
  • Revealing Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $6.29
  • Porrentruy Secret Tour: $13
  • Swiss Chocolate Adventure Experience: $23
  • Culture & Congress Centre Behind the Scenes Tour: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide: $31
  • Official Guided City Tour of Lucerne: $32
  • Guided Walking Tour in Lucerne: $34
  • Round-Trip Catamaran Cruise on Lake Lucerne: $35
  • Lake Lucerne 1-Hour Catamaran Cruise : $35
  • Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Lucerne $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucerne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:

  • Walking and Boat Tour with Cheese & Wine Tasting: $112
  • Lake Lucerne Region Wine Tasting: $314
  • Private Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $326


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Lucerne, we can see that Lucerne is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Lucerne is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba 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 Aqaba.

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


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Lucerne?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Lucerne?

Lucerne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Aqaba or Lucerne in the Summer?

Both Lucerne and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lucerne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is much warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Lucerne averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 241 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Lucerne. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Lucerne 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Lucerne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Lucerne. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, 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, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Lucerne. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Lucerne fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Lucerne 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Lucerne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Lucerne. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, 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. Aqaba is much warmer than Lucerne in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Lucerne fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Lucerne. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lucerne receives 55 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Lucerne. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Lucerne 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Lucerne in the Spring?

Both Lucerne and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year.

In the spring, Aqaba is much warmer than Lucerne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Lucerne averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Lucerne during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Lucerne receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Lucerne. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lucerne receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Lucerne 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lucerne and Aqaba

Aqaba Lucerne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)