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

Should you visit Akureyri or Chartres?

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

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

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.

Chartres

Chartres is a city in north-central France southwest of Paris. It is famed for its massive Cathedrale Notre-Dame. The well-preserved Gothic cathedral, completed in 1220, features 2 towering spires, Romanesque sculptures and elaborate rose windows. The cathedral is unique in that it has two very different steeples – one Gothic, the other Romanesque. Follow them to check out the cathedral's dazzling blue stained-glass windows and its collection of relics, including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to Jesus, which have lured pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The nearby Centre International du Vitrail has workshops and exhibits on stained-glass art. Chartres also had a carefully preserved old city, which is adjacent to the cathedral with staircases and steep streets lined with half-timbered medieval houses leading downhill to the narrow western channel of the Eure River, romantically spanned by footbridges.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chartres 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 Chartres is $125. 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 Chartres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Chartres $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Chartres $126
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Chartres

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Chartres? 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 Chartres


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 Chartres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Chartres $28

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 Chartres?

Prices for flights to both Chartres 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
    Chartres $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Chartres $24

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 Chartres

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chartres.

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Chartres $13

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 Chartres, 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. 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 Chartres Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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 Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Akureyri or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Chartres. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives more rain than Chartres. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Chartres 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Chartres. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Chartres. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Chartres 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Chartres. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Chartres 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Chartres and Akureyri

Akureyri Chartres
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)