Which place is cheaper, Aberdeen or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Aberdeen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Aberdeen, 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: Akureyri or Aberdeen?
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a commercial city on the East coast of Scotland, rich in culture and Medieval history. Known primarily for their oil, gas and fishing industries, Aberdeen combines both quaint accommodations with modern shops and restaurants. This city provides a taste of everything Scottish: from their traditional restaurants, to the architecture dating back over 300 years, and their pristine golf course.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Aberdeen $151
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Aberdeen is $151. 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 Akureyri and Aberdeen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Aberdeen $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Aberdeen $160
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Aberdeen
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Aberdeen? 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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Aberdeen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Aberdeen $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
- Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
- From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,336
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:
- Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $131
- Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
- Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ): Private Transfer to Aberdeen: $181
- Aberdeen Dyce Airport(ABZ) to Balmedie - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Private Aberdeen Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $49
- Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Aberdeen?
Prices for flights to both Aberdeen and Akureyri 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 dayAkureyri $35Aberdeen $43
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Aberdeen $24
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Geothermal Sea-baths admission ticket: $47
- Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $71
- Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $80
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $80
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $83
- Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík: $86
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
- Zipline Tour: $90
- Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $92
- The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland: $93
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $94
Tours and Activities in Aberdeen
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Aberdeen are as follows:
- Union Street App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Dark history Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.99
- 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Skip the Line: The Gordon Highlanders Museum Admission Ticket: $12
- Daily City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $17
- Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $18
- Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
- Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $60
- Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside 1-Day Tour from Aberdeen: $64
- From Adventure to St Andrews & Dundee: $65
- St Andrews and Dundee Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Aberdeen $4.45
Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:
- Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143
Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:
- Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink: $34
- Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $34
- City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience: $150
- Aberdeen&Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group 1 Day Tour: $401
When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Aberdeen, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Aberdeen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Aberdeen?
Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Aberdeen, 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 Akureyri or Aberdeen?
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 Akureyri or Aberdeen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Aberdeen. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Akureyri is cooler than Aberdeen in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Aberdeen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Aberdeen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Aberdeen. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Aberdeen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 9°C (49°F).
In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Aberdeen. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Aberdeen. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Aberdeen 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Aberdeen in the Winter?
Both Aberdeen and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.
It's quite cold in Aberdeen in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Aberdeen during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Aberdeen 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Aberdeen in the Spring?
Both Aberdeen and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. Akureyri is much colder than Aberdeen in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Aberdeen. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Aberdeen. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Aberdeen 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Aberdeen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.