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

Should you visit Akureyri or Biarritz?

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

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

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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.

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


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz 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 Biarritz is $141. 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 Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Biarritz $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Biarritz $158
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz


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 Biarritz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Biarritz $42

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 Biarritz

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz 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
    Biarritz $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

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

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Biarritz $17

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 Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
  • Private E-bike Guided Tour: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Biarritz $8.62

Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:

  • Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143


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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Biarritz?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Biarritz. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Biarritz. Furthermore, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Akureyri

Akureyri Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)