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. While it is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, 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 $190, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $237. 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 $103
    Amsterdam $114
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $206
    Amsterdam $228
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 $22

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
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.59
  • Renting a Bike
    $17
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.92
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • 1 - 15 persons Minibus Amsterdam City transfer: $126
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Zaandam: $110
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam in Amsterdam City: $109
  • 1-23 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $286
  • Airport Transfer: Schiphol Airport AMS to Amsterdam by Luxury Car: $118
  • Airport or Port transfer Business Class (private car service): $177
  • Airport transfer Amsterdam Schiphol: $103
  • Airport transfer [Schiphol airport - Hotel in Amsterdam]: $115
  • Amsterdam & Schiphol Airport to Eindhoven Private Transfer: $236
  • Amsterdam & Schiphol Airport to Nijmegen Private Transfer: $230
  • Amsterdam & Schiphol Airport to The Hague Private Transfer: $123
  • Amsterdam Airport (AMS) Transfer to Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Keukenhof: $35

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 $71
    Amsterdam $90

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Romantic Dinner or Lunch in the Dark Amsterdam: $48
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $58
  • Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $70
  • Amsterdam Walking Food Tour with 6 Tastings and Drink: $73
  • Amsterdam : Guided Cultural Food Tour: $80
  • Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $86
  • Amsterdam Food Tour: Authentic Dutch Tastings, Canals & Culture: $99
  • 10 Tastes of Amsterdam Food Tour: Small Group, Full Meal & Drinks: $107
  • Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Food Tour: $117
  • Eating Jordaan Food Tour with Dutch Tastings: $125
  • Italian Pasta Cooking Class in Amsterdam with Italian Chef: $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Amsterdam $41

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
  • Húsavík Whale Museum Ticket: $22
  • War and Peace Museum - Tour: $23
  • Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $69
  • From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V): $74
  • Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Heated Indoor Seating: $78
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $82
  • Whale Watching and Puffin Tour from Hauganes: $90
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik: $98

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
    $6.74
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $19

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.42
  • Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan: $3.42
  • Self-Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.42
  • Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam with storyteller: $3.43
  • Bill's Bike Tour - Rent a Flower Bike in Amsterdam: $5.00
  • Anne Frank & WWII Jewish Quarter History Walking Tour Amsterdam: $5.60
  • Amsterdam History Walking Tour: $5.71
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.71
  • Amsterdam Ghost Hunt: Self-Guided Mystery Adventure: $6.16
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Red Light District: $6.72
  • Amsterdam self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt: $7.85
  • Vondelpark and Old West Neighbourhood: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Amsterdam $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Halloween Leidseplein Bar Crawl & Nightclub Entry: $29
  • Red Light District Halloween Pub Crawl & Nightclub: $29
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl in Amsterdam with 4 Shots: $34
  • 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)