A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Akureyri vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Akureyri or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Akureyri?

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 Akureyri is $189, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $244. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Amsterdam $118
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Amsterdam $236
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Amsterdam? 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 Akureyri


Hotels in Amsterdam


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 Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Amsterdam $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $117
  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $164

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.71
  • Renting a Bike
    $17
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.02
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Amsterdam: $147
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $295
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Haarlem: $206
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Utrecht: $265
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Zaandam: $114
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam in Amsterdam City: $112
  • AMS Schiphol Airport VIP Meet and Assist Pickup (with Hotel Private Transfer): $206
  • Airport Private Transfer: Schiphol Airport ↔ Amsterdam City: $147
  • Airport Transfer: Amsterdam to Schiphol Airport AMS by Luxury Van: $105
  • Airport Transfer: Schiphol Airport AMS to Amsterdam by Luxury Van: $105
  • Airport transfer [Schiphol airport - Hotel in Amsterdam]: $115
  • Amsterdam & Schiphol Airport to Den Bosch Private Transfer: $154

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Akureyri $70
    Amsterdam $93

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Romantic Dinner in the Dark Amsterdam: $50
  • Self Guided Food Tour in De Pijp District of Amsterdam: $59
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
  • Taste Your Way Around Amsterdam Food Tour: $60
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $71
  • Amsterdam : Guided Cultural Food Tour: $83
  • Amsterdam Food Tour: +10 Tastes, Culture and Canals with Sherpa: $88
  • Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $91
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $105
  • Jordaan Food Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition: $107
  • Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Food Tour (TOP RATED): $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Amsterdam $42

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: $69
  • From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V): $77
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $90
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $100
  • Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $100
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.96
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • Self-Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.53
  • Alternative Tour Amsterdam | Drugs Story, Street Art & More: $3.53
  • Amsterdam All In One Tour Walking Tour: $3.54
  • Amsterdam Highlights Walking Tour: $4.72
  • Bill's Bike Tour - Rent a Flower Bike in Amsterdam: $5.00
  • Self Guided Space Tourist Exploration of Amsterdam's Cosmic Side: $5.00
  • Amsterdam West Specialty Coffee Spots: A Self-Guided Cycling Tour: $5.41
  • A tasty stroll through Pijp: A self-guided audio tour: $5.75
  • Amsterdam History Walking Tour: $5.90
  • Private Tour of Simonehoeve Cheese Farm and Clog Factory: $5.90
  • Amsterdam’s Magic Canals: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $6.00
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Amsterdam $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $28
  • Amsterdam Craft Beer Brewery Tour by Bus with Tastings: $77
  • Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $100
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $103
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Akureyri much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Akureyri would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Akureyri 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Akureyri.

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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In the summer, Akureyri is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Amsterdam. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Akureyri is much colder than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Amsterdam. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Akureyri

Akureyri Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)