Should you visit Norway or Ireland?
Norway and Ireland are both beautiful countries with impressive landscapes and lots of natural beauty. Both countries are popular tourist destinations in Europe and each has a lot to offer visitors. Norway is considered one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and it is significantly more expensive to visit than Ireland. Even so, Ireland is not a particularly cheap travel destination.
Most people head to Norway for its natural beauty and the country is famous for its dramatic fjords and interesting landscape. Norway is also larger than you might realize, and many of the top tourist destinations are hard to reach without a personal car. If you are hoping to explore the country in depth, you really do need to have access to your own vehicle. In addition to its natural beauty, Norway also has several interesting cities, including Oslo, which is the capital and largest city in the country. Bergen is the second largest city and also a nice place to visit.
Ireland is another beautiful country that attracts many visitors from around the world. Ireland is known for its beautiful countryside and interesting history. The capital city of Dublin is a fun place to visit with many great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. The Irish population is known for their welcoming nature, so whether you're in Dublin or visiting a more rural area, it won't be hard to make a friend.
Which country is cheaper, Ireland or Norway?
Should I visit Norway or Ireland? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in Ireland can cost you about $1,084 (per person), while a week in Norway may cost you around $821. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to Ireland or Norway can really add to your travel budget.
Accommodation is often cheaper in Norway compared to Ireland ($60 vs. $73). Budget travelers often stay in cheaper hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels usually appeal to families and upscale travelers.
Compare hotel prices here: Norway Hotel Prices and Ireland Hotel Prices.
Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between Ireland and Norway to find the cheapest accommodation here: Ireland hostels and Norway hostels.
When comparing food in Norway vs. Ireland they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Norway ($32) are often cheaper than Ireland ($44).
When is the best time to visit Norway and Ireland?
A fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, Norway
Like much of Scandinavia, summer is the peak season for travel to Norway. This is when the temperatures are pleasant and warm and the buses, ferries, and trains are most frequent. The summer days also have a lot of daylight, and as you reach the most northern parts of the country, the sun won't even set. The summer season is short in Norway and runs from June to August, with transportation and amenities decreasing their hours by early September.
The spring months are also a nice time to visit because this is when you can experience the Sami festivals. This is also when waterfalls are full from the melting snow and wild flowers are in bloom.
Winter is a unique time to visit Norway. It's a beautiful time of year, but there is very limited sunlight and very cold temperatures. This is the the best time to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis.
Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather that can change several times within the same day. It's best to come prepared for some rain and pack accordingly, regardless of when you visit. In general, the sunniest months are April, May, and June. July and August are the warmest months, and the southeast area usually sees the most sun. December and January are the rainiest months and weather is usually the dampest along the west coast, which borders the Atlantic Ocean.
Why is Norway more expensive than Ireland?
Norway is one of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe (and the world). It has a high cost of living and residents make high salaries, so visitors can expect to pay a premium when they visit. Hotels, food, entertainment, and transportation are all very expensive when you visit Norway. In particular, transportation is very expensive because you really need to have access to a vehicle to explore the country in depth. Not only is renting a car expensive, but so is gas. Although Norway is very expensive, it has a high standard of living and is a very beautiful country to visit. Most visitors feel it is worth the high price tag.
Ireland is more affordable than Norway, but it is also an expensive country to visit. It also has a high cost of living and a rental car is very helpful when exploring the countryside.
What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in Norway and Ireland?
Dublin, Ireland
It's really hard, or impossible, to find an affordable place to go in Norway. The cities are very expensive with even the most budget hotels and hostels costing more than you'd pay in most other cities. The countryside can be equally as expensive, in part because you really do need to have a car to access these areas. Gas is also expensive and restaurant prices are quite high.
Ireland is also an expensive country, but it is generally more affordable than Norway. Rental cars are helpful in Ireland as well, but the price of renting a vehicle is a bit more affordable. Dublin also has a decent number of affordable restaurants and bed and breakfasts, so if you're looking for a deal, it's not that hard to find one.
How you can save money when visiting Norway and Ireland?
Look into discount cards for specific cities to see if they'll save you any money. Also check out the Fjord Pass in Norway to see how beneficial it is for your specific trip.
Make reservations well in advance, particularly for transportation. Prices tend to climb as the date approaches.
Research all of your rental car options. There are often some local places that offer more affordable rental cars than the major chains.
Taxis can be very expensive, so look into public transportation whenever possible.
Plan to cook some of your own food, as eating out is also a very expensive experience.
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.
