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

Should you visit Akureyri or Annecy?

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

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

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.

Annecy

Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France, where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. It's known for its Vieille Ville (old town), with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses. Annecy is situated on a stunning aqua clear lake between the Northern alps of France. Only thirty minutes away from Geneva, Switzerland, this French-Swiss town is unlike any other. Another nickname for this city is the Venice of France because the small center of the city is filled with water passages lined with beautiful flower boxes. The city is romantic because the waterways filled with lights that illuminate the bricks and you feel as if you are in a whole other world with no one around you. The purity of the lake and the beauty of its setting compels Anneciens outdoors - in good weather it seems everyone is hanging out in pavement cafes, mountain-gazing along the lakefront, swimming in the lake, or just aimlessly cycling around it.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Annecy or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Annecy is $193. 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 Annecy in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Annecy $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Annecy $198
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Annecy

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Annecy? 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 Annecy


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 Annecy Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Annecy $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,336
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
  • Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Annecy

Also for Annecy, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lyon : Luxury private transfer to Annecy in Van: $374
  • Private transfer from Geneva airport to Annecy: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Annecy?

Prices for flights to both Annecy 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 $35
    Annecy $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Annecy

For Annecy, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Annecy Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Annecy Old Town with Local Guide: $148
  • Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking and Meal with a Local in Annecy: $188
  • Private Walking Food Tour: $348

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Annecy $44

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

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

  • Akureyri Private Tour with Myvatn Nature Baths by Luxury VAN: $1,957
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
  • Goðafoss, Laufas & The Christmas House Tour: $122
  • Hunt for the Northern Lights Photography Tour: $124
  • Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Landscapes Tour: $155
  • Mývatn Nature Baths and Goðafoss Waterfall Tour: $210
  • Northern Lights Photography Tour: $141
  • Northern Lights Tour: $107
  • Northern Lights Tour in North Iceland: $120
  • Siglufjörður Four Tunnel Private Day Tour: $748
  • Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
  • Zipline Tour: $90

Tours and Activities in Annecy

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Annecy.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $12
  • Yakapedaler : bike rental tour with the Annecy lac: $21
  • Full-day private tour from Geneva to Annecy: $40
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour: $43
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $44
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $55
  • Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour: $64
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $66
  • Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Annecy $37

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 Annecy

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

  • Wine Tour with private driver: $850


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Annecy, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Akureyri or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Annecy 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Annecy. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Annecy. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Annecy 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Annecy. Additionally, many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. Akureyri is much colder than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Annecy. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Annecy 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Annecy. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Annecy 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Annecy and Akureyri

Akureyri Annecy
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)