Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Alesund?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Alesund, 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 Alesund?
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.
Alesund
Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesAlesund Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Alesund $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $133. 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 Alesund in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Alesund $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Alesund $116
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Alesund
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Alesund? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Alesund $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:
- Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $163
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $105
- Alesund to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES)-Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $119
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $52
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Andalsnes Port: $215
- Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Molde Cruise Port: $125
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $52
- Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Molde Port: $150
- Private Transfer from Molde Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $125
- Private Transfer from Molde Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Alesund?
Prices for flights to both Alesund 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 $71Alesund $57
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Alesund $18
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
- War and Peace Museum - Tour: $24
- Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $65
- Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $78
- Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $78
- Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour: $79
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
- Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall: $82
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated : $98
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $100
Tours and Activities in Alesund
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:
- The Essence of Ålesund Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $46
- Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $61
- Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $71
- Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $71
- Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $113
- Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $124
- 3 Hour Guided Food Walk Tour in Alesund, Norway: $133
- Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $134
- Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $137
- Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - Half Day Kayaking Tour: $144
- Kayak Tour to the 7 sisters in Geiranger : $155
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Alesund $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Alesund, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri than you might in Alesund.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Alesund Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Alesund?
Alesund has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Alesund, 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 Alesund?
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 Alesund in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Alesund. Furthermore, most visitors come to Alesund for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Akureyri is cooler than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Alesund. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Alesund 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Alesund in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Alesund. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Alesund. Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Alesund 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Alesund in the Winter?
Both Alesund 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 Alesund this time of year.
It's quite cold in Alesund in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Alesund. In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Alesund. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Alesund 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Alesund in the Spring?
Both Alesund and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Alesund for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. Akureyri is much colder than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Alesund 5°C (40°F)
Typical Weather for Alesund and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Alesund | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 167 mm (6.6 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.