Which place is cheaper, Belfast or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Belfast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Belfast, 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 Belfast?
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.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.
One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.
Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Belfast $166
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Belfast is $166. 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 Belfast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Belfast $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Belfast $170
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Belfast
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Belfast? 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 Belfast Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Belfast $18
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 Belfast
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Car: $105
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $105
- Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Minibus: $145
- Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
- Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
- Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Belfast?
Prices for flights to both Belfast 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 $35Belfast $63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.
- Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
- Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Belfast $23
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 Belfast
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:
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Movie Tickets$9.97
Tours and Activities in Belfast
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:
- Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
- Museum Ticket: $6.90
- Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
- If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
- Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
- 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
- Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
- Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
- Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
- Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Belfast $9.79
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 Belfast
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:
- Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
- Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
- Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
- Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
- VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Belfast?
Belfast has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Belfast, 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 Belfast?
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 Belfast in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Belfast. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.
Akureyri is cooler than Belfast in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Belfast during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 151 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Belfast. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Belfast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Belfast in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Belfast. Additionally, many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Belfast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Belfast averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 92 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Belfast. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Belfast 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Belfast in the Winter?
Both Belfast and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Belfast during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Belfast receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Belfast. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Belfast 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Belfast in the Spring?
Both Belfast and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. Akureyri is much colder than Belfast in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Belfast. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Belfast receives 150 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Belfast. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Belfast 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Belfast and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Belfast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.