Quality of life in Luzern (Lucerne) — scores, review and neighborhoods

7.1/ 10
Top 3% in Switzerland#1 in the cantonExceptional
Population
85,163
Commune type
City

Living in Luzern, a commune of 85163 inhabitants in Canton Lucerne — with an overall score of 7.1/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Public Transport (9.1/10) and Healthcare (9.1/10). Its score is above the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
8.8
Air Quality
5.6
Public Transport
9.1
Education & Culture
8.6
Nightlife & Dining
7.7
Nature & Green Spaces
7.3
Healthcare
9.1
Taxation
5.0
Annual Sunshine
2.6
Cantonal average

Luzern's national strengths

Per our methodology

Recommended Profiles

Young Professional
ExceptionalTop 1% in Switzerland
mediantop
Family
ExceptionalTop 3% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Nature
Fair
mediantop

For families looking to settle in Switzerland, Luzern achieves a compatibility score of 7.3/10. Key strengths for this profile include Education & Culture and Noise. The Nature profile (6.6/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Luzern excels in Public Transport (9.1/10) — excellent public transit access (bus, train, tram), Healthcare (9.1/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals, Noise (8.8/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Annual Sunshine (2.6/10).

Luzern neighbourhoods

VivaMap goes well below commune level: in Luzern, scores are available per neighbourhood (H3 hexagons of ~0.1 km²) and even per rooftop. Within-commune contrasts are often as sharp as the differences between neighbouring communes.

Explore Luzern neighbourhoods →

Considering buying property in Luzern or moving to Canton Lucerne? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Universität LuzernUniversity
Pädagogische Hochschule LuzernUniversity
Pädagogische Hochschule LuzernUniversity
Pädagogische Hochschule LuzernUniversity
Hochschule LuzernUniversity
Hochschule Luzern - Design & KunstUniversity
Kunstmuseum LuzernMuseum
Bourbaki PanoramaMuseum

Public Transport

LuzernTrain Station
Luzern VerkehrshausTrain Station
Luzern Allmend/MesseTrain Station
Luzern LittauTrain Station
GütschTrain Station
Château GütschTrain Station
Luzern BahnhofBus Stop
KantonalbankBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Luzerner KantonsspitalHospital
Haus 33 KinderspitalHospital
Luzerner PsychiatrieHospital
Haus 31 (Spitalzentrum)Hospital
Klinik St. AnnaClinic
MRZ - Medizinisches Radiologie ZentrumMedical Centre
Adipositaszentrum ZentralschweizMedical Centre
Zentrum für Dermatologie und Allergologie - Luzerner Kantonsspital - Haus 10Medical Centre

Guides to read for this area

Four guides by lifestyle profile and three analyses of this area's strongest criteria.

Frequently asked questions about Luzern

What's it like to live in Luzern? Resident impressions and quality of life
Luzern scores remarkably high on noise management at 8.8, reflecting a well-regulated urban environment. However, dining and restaurant options lag behind at 4.5, suggesting limited gastronomic variety. The commune excels in transportation connectivity with 8.7, yet education scores remain modest at 5.9. Healthcare facilities are strong at 8.1, though air quality registers lower at 6.3. Nature access rates fairly at 7.3, while tax conditions present challenges at 5. It is worth noting that sunshine availability scores just 2.6, typical for the region. Overall, Luzern offers solid infrastructure and services, though some lifestyle dimensions warrant consideration. Explore the detailed map to discover how neighboring communities like Ebikon, Horw, and Kriens compare.
How sunny and clean is the air in Luzern?
Luzern scores notably low on sunshine with just 2.6, indicating limited bright days throughout the year. Air quality fares somewhat better at 6.3, suggesting moderate conditions rather than exceptional freshness. Worth flagging, the commune's noise levels are stronger at 8.8, reflecting a relatively quiet environment despite its urban setting as a regional hub. The transport infrastructure scores 8.7, which may help mitigate some air quality concerns through accessible public options. Health services also perform well at 8.1, supporting residents' wellbeing in the context of local environmental conditions. To understand how these environmental factors compare with neighboring communes like Ebikon, Horw, and Kriens, explore the detailed measurements on the map.
How well-connected is Luzern? Transport, schools, dining
Luzern excels in transport connectivity with a score of 8.7, reflecting its role as a major hub in the Lucerne agglomeration. However, education opportunities score notably lower at 5.9, suggesting room for improvement in this dimension. The dining scene remains modest at 4.5, indicating fewer restaurant options than some comparable communes. It is worth noting that neighboring communities like Ebikon, Horw, and Kriens may offer complementary services that extend the broader area's appeal. The strong transport infrastructure contrasts with weaker educational and culinary amenities, creating a mixed connectivity profile. Explore the detailed scores on the map to understand how Luzern's strengths in mobility balance against its other dimensions.
What are the neighboring communes of Luzern and how big is it?
Luzern is a substantial urban center with a population of 85,163, making it a significant hub in the Lucerne region. The commune borders three neighbors: Ebikon, Horw, and Kriens, which together form part of the broader Lucerne agglomeration. It is worth noting that while Luzern excels in noise management with a score of 8.8, its education dimension scores only 5.9, reflecting the trade-offs typical of larger urban centers. The commune demonstrates strong healthcare infrastructure at 8.1 and reliable transport connectivity at 8.7, though air quality lags at 6.3. Explore the interactive map to discover how these neighboring communes complement Luzern's profile and connect across the region.
Is Luzern a tax-friendly municipality?
Luzern's fiscal score of 5.0 suggests moderate tax conditions rather than exceptional favorability. The commune excels in noise management with a score of 8.8, reflecting a well-regulated environment, yet education scores lower at 5.9, indicating room for improvement in that sector. Air quality rates at 6.3, while transport connectivity is notably strong at 8.7, supporting residents' mobility needs. It is worth noting that healthcare services score 8.1, a genuine strength. However, restaurant and dining options remain limited at 4.5, and sunshine hours are relatively modest at 2.6. Worth flagging: neighbors Ebikon, Horw, and Kriens may offer different fiscal frameworks worth comparing. Explore the detailed tax and amenity profiles on the map to assess whether Luzern aligns with your priorities.

Neighboring communes of Luzern

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 16.2 %20–64 years 64.3 %65 and over 19.4 %
Density
2,827 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+6.2 %
Vacant housing
1.2 %
New dwellings
4.4 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
4 %
Tertiary employment
90.8 %

Land use

Built-up area 47.8 %Agricultural land 27.9 %Forest 22.3 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Lucerne (LU)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.0491, 8.2983
BFS Number
1061
Last updated
29 June 2026

Data: FSO, geo.admin.ch, OSM — Scores normalised 0-10