Which place is cheaper, Basel 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 Basel?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Basel, 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 Basel?
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.
Basel
Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesBasel Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $189Basel $328
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $189, while the average daily cost in Basel is $328. 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 Basel in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $102Basel $167
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $204Basel $334
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Basel
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Basel? 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 and Basel Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Basel $53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
- Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $117
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $164
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:
- Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) by MB Van: $122
- Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $111
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Badenweiler - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Basel - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Feldberg - Round Trip Private Transfer: $248
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Feldberg Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $124
- Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $111
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $111
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Car: $160
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $122
- Basel to Basel Airpor (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
- Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $111
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Basel?
Prices for flights to both Basel 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 $70Basel $123
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Basel
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Basel.
- Self-Guided Food Tour: $49
- Traditional Swiss Dinner: Cheese Fondue, Appetizers/Dessert: $162
- Cooking Class: Homemade Italian Lasagna Experience by Locals: $187
- Homemade Italian Pizza & Focaccia Experience with a Local Family: $192
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Basel $43
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
Tours and Activities in Basel
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.24
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.40
- Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
- Basel Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.42
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $12
- Swiss Cheese Tasting Experience | Basel: $19
- Basel Historical Old Town Tour: $20
- Swiss Cheese Tasting Experience | Basel: $20
- Swiss Chocolate Tasting Experience | Basel: $22
- Tour on the vintage tram: $26
- Basel Historical Old Town Tour: $26
- City tour Basel (walking tour): $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Basel $38
Sample the Local Flavors in Basel
Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Alsace wine tour & medieval villages small group guided tour: $368
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Basel, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Basel?
Basel has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Basel, 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 Basel?
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 Basel in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Basel. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year.
In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Basel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Basel averages at about 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Basel during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Basel. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Basel 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Basel in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Basel. Also, many travelers come to Basel for the shopping 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 Basel. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Basel. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 120 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Basel. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Basel 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Basel in the Winter?
Both Basel and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Basel can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Akureyri is much colder than Basel in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Basel fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Basel during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Basel receives 55 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Basel. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Basel 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Basel in the Spring?
Both Basel and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Basel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Basel averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Basel. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Basel receives 150 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Basel 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Basel and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Basel | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.