Which place is cheaper, Cardiff or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Cardiff?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?
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.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Cardiff $194
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Cardiff is $194. 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 Cardiff in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Cardiff $116
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Cardiff $232
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Cardiff
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Cardiff $26
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 Cardiff
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
- Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
- Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
- Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
- Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
- Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
- Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
- Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
- Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Cardiff?
Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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 $35Cardiff $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Cardiff $31
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
Tours and Activities in Cardiff
Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
- Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
- Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
- Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
- Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
- Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Cardiff $16
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 Cardiff
Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
- Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Cardiff?
Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?
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 Cardiff in the Summer?
Both Cardiff and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Cardiff. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Cardiff 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Cardiff in the Autumn?
Both Cardiff and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.
Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Cardiff 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Cardiff in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Cardiff. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.
It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Cardiff 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Cardiff in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Cardiff. Additionally, many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Cardiff. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Cardiff. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Cardiff 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Cardiff and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Cardiff | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 96 mm (3.8 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.