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

Should you visit Akureyri or Arles?

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

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

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.

Arles

Arles is a city (and commune) in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A large part of the Camargue is located on the territory of the commune, making it the largest commune in Metropolitan France in terms of territory. The city has a long history, and was considerably important in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. The Arles area is full of culture and rich in history. It has many treasures, points of interest, and colorful sunbaked houses and is a great introduction into the Camarguais culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles 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 Arles is $152. 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 Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Arles $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Arles $152
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Arles? 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 Arles


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 Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Arles $24

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 Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles 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
    Arles $55

Typical Food Prices in Arles

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


  • Cooked Clams
    $4.82
  • Ice Cream
    $1.07

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Arles $33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

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


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    $5.89

Tours and Activities in Arles

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

  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Arles $26

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 Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Arles?

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

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 Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Arles during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Arles. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Arles in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Arles. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Arles. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Arles. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Arles. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Akureyri

Akureyri Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)