Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Akureyri or Cancun?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Cancun, 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 Cancun?
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.
Cancun
In the northeast corner of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is one of Mexico's most popular destinations. The area that is now Cancun was actually selected specifically by the Mexican government for development as a tourist destination. The area was chosen because it has fourteen miles of beautiful white beaches, nearby Mayan ruins, and turquoise blue water with nearby snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Prior to its development as a tourist destination, there were few inhabitants in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
-
Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesCancun Prices
Mexico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Cancun $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Cancun is $167. 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 Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $104Cancun $96
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $208Cancun $192
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Cancun? 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 Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Cancun $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $30
- Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
-
Taxi Around Town$1.66
-
Airport Shuttle (for 2)$14
-
Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)$17
-
Local Bus (for 2)$2.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer (Can-cun, Playa del Carmen & Tulum): $115
- Airport Transfer Cancun: $75
- Airport Transfer to Tulum: $160
- Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $233
- Airport Transfers to Puerto Juarez - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $211
- Airport Transfers to Puerto Morelos - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $199
- Akumal One Way Or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $139
- Arrival Private Transfer Cancun Airport CUN to Cancun by Minivan or Minibus: $29
- Cancún Airport (CUN) Cancun hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Cancún Airport (CUN) to Akumal - Private Arrival Transfer: $106
- Cancún Airport (CUN) to Cancun hotel or address - Private Arrival Transfer: $38
- Cancún Airport (CUN) to El Dorado Maroma - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun 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 dayAkureyri $71Cancun $49
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch for Two$21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour in Cancun with a Local Guide: $62
- Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
- Salsa Streets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $69
- Tortilla Trails Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $69
- 4h Cooking Class in Cancun with 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $75
- Cancun Historic Downtown Food Tour with 7+ Authentic Tastings: $76
- Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
- Cancun Taco & Mexican Food Tour with Tequila Tasting: $79
- Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class: $79
- Couples Special Price! Cancun Pirate Show with Dinner & Drinks: $80
- Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show at Cancun Couples Special: $80
- Couples Special Pirate Show & Dinner! Drinks, Adventure and Fun: $82
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $19Cancun $35
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour: $180
- Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $293
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
- Akureyri Port: Hot Godafoss Waterfall Tour & The Forest Lagoon: $158
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $328
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $182
- Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $246
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169
- 3-Day Northern Lights, Whales, & Lagoon Tour: $533
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Seasick Pills$0.59
-
Whale Shark Tour (for 2)$100
Tours and Activities in Cancun
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Cancun's Hidden Gems: A Self-Guided Tour: $3.55
- 7 Days Self Guided AI Audio Tours to Cancun and Yucatan: $12
- Chichen Itzá Tour from Cancun and Riviera Maya for the best price, Book now!: $14
- Speedboat Jungle Tour and Snorkel: $15
- Discover Isla Mujeres tour with snorkel, buffet and open bar: $15
- Cancun Beach Taco Tour Culinary Journey with Tequila Tasting: $15
- Explore Mayan Culture full day tour: $16
- Isla Mujeres tour in a Catamaran with snorkel, open bar, lunch: $16
- Speedboat and Snorkeling Adventure in Cancun: $16
- Chichen Itza Mayan adventure: $16
- Speedboat and Snorkel Adventure: $16
- Isla Mujeres Catamaran Snorkeling and Open Bar Adventure: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Cancun $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun
Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- A bespoke wine tastings crafted for unforgettable moments: $88
- Brewery Tour Craft Beer Tasting Cancun Mexico: $130
When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Cancun, we can see that Akureyri 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. Even though Akureyri is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Cancun?
Cancun has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Cancun, 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.
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.