Which place is cheaper, Cairngorms National Park or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Cairngorms National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Cairngorms National Park, 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 Cairngorms National Park?
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.
Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is an over 1,700 square mile park in the center of Scotland and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the country. Voted one of the top 20 places to visit in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, the park features everything from castles to wildlife tours to white water rafting. There is really no bad time to visit the park, as you will always have something to see and do here! In the winter, from late November-March, you can ski the slopes and go on snow treks. Summer, from May-September, is fantastic for walking, hiking, and canoeing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Cairngorms National Park $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Cairngorms National Park $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Cairngorms National Park $138
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Cairngorms National Park
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Cairngorms National Park? 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 Cairngorms National Park Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Cairngorms National Park $66
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Cairngorms National Park?
Prices for flights to both Cairngorms National Park 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 $35Cairngorms National Park $38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Cairngorms National Park $33
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 Cairngorms National Park
For Cairngorms National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland: $114
- Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike: $168
- Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $177
- Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
- Private Guided Rock Climbing Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
- Private Guided Winter Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
- Private Guided Winter Mountaineering Experience in the Cairngorms: $222
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Cairngorms National Park $10
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 Cairngorms National Park, we can see that Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Akureyri or Cairngorms National Park?
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 Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Cairngorms National Park. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Akureyri is generally cooler than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the summer, Akureyri often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cairngorms National Park. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Cairngorms National Park. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Cairngorms National Park 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?
Both Cairngorms National Park and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Cairngorms National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cairngorms National Park. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Cairngorms National Park 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?
Both Cairngorms National Park and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cairngorms National Park. It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cairngorms National Park. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Cairngorms National Park 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Cairngorms National Park. Also, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cairngorms National Park during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Cairngorms National Park. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Cairngorms National Park 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Cairngorms National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 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.