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

Should you visit Akureyri or Brussels?

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

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

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.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Brussels 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 Brussels is $148. 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 Brussels in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Brussels? 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 Brussels


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 Brussels Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Brussels $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
  • Northern Lights Tour with Transfer and Snacks: $201
  • Private Northern Lights Tour with Transfer & Snack: $542
  • Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $31
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
  • From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,330

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    $4.87
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    $8.67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • Airport Transfer: Brussels to Airport BRU by Business Car: $82
  • Airport Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfer Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Luxury Car or Van: $68
  • Arrival Transfer from Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Sedan: $64
  • BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 3 Pax: $149
  • BRU Airport Transfer to Brussels City Center for 7 Pax: $128
  • Brussels <-> transfer from or to Brussels Airport (BRU) by Van: $130
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) To Amsterdam: VIP Transfer: $490
  • Brussels Airport Departure Transfer (Brussels Hotels to Brussels Airport): $106
  • Brussels Airport: Transfer to/from Gent Sint Pieters Station: $11
  • Brussels City Center to BRU Airport Transfer for 3 Pax: $106
  • Brussels City Center to BRU Airport Transfer for 3 Pax: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Brussels?

Prices for flights to both Brussels 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
    Brussels $41

Typical Food Prices in Brussels

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


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    $4.98
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    $5.15
  • Cheese
    $6.07
  • Olives and Snacks
    $7.56
  • Waffle
    $3.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brussels.

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Hard Rock Cafe Brussels with Set Lunch or Dinner : $29
  • City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
  • Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
  • Secret Food Tours Brussels: $111
  • Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
  • Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $162
  • Brussels Private Custom Food Tour with a Local Foodie : $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Brussels $25

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: $43
  • From Christmas House Tour: $69
  • Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $70
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $79
  • Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $83
  • Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík: $86
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $88
  • Zipline Tour: $90
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $92
  • The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland: $92
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $93
  • E-BIKE TOUR KJARNASKÓGUR AND AKUREYRI CITY: $94

Tours and Activities in Brussels

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
  • Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Brussels: $3.25
  • Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.25
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.37
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.92
  • Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.45
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.98
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99
  • Brussels’ Noble Beginnings: An Upper Town Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Brussels Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $8.71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Brussels $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11
  • Beer
    $6.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18


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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Brussels?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

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 Brussels in the Summer?

Both Brussels and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Brussels in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Akureyri is much colder than Brussels in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Brussels fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Brussels. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Brussels 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Brussels in the Autumn?

Both Brussels and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Brussels for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Brussels. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Brussels averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 114 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Brussels. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Brussels 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Brussels in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Brussels. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brussels because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Brussels can be very cold. Akureyri can be very cold during winter. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Brussels during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Brussels receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Brussels 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Brussels in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Brussels. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Brussels in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Brussels fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Brussels. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brussels receives 147 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Brussels 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Brussels and Akureyri

Akureyri Brussels
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)