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

Should you visit Akureyri or Dublin?

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

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

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.

Dublin

Dublin is the vibrant and fun capital city of Ireland and home to over a third of the country's population. There are almost 2 million people in the metropolitan area. It's also the most common entry point into the country for visitors. Once you arrive, its a good idea to head over to the main tourist office in St. Andrew's Church off Grafton Street. They can give you maps and information to make sure your trip is efficient and fun. Many people enjoy seeing what remains of the Georgian architecture throughout the city. Much of the city is also modernist in style with many blocks made up of offices.

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


Which place is cheaper, Dublin 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 Dublin is $155. 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 Dublin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Dublin $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Dublin $148
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Dublin

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Dublin? 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 Dublin


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 Dublin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Dublin $21

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: $31
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
  • From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,331

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • Arrival Transfer: Dublin Airport DUB to Dublin in Luxury Van: $111
  • Belfast | Coach transfer from / to Dublin: $11
  • Child Friendly | Dublin Airport Transfer: $168
  • Collon House & Garden To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer : $297
  • Departure Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Luxury Van: $111
  • Dublin Airport & City Transfers : $182
  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Tankardstown House Private Chauffeur Transfer: $208
  • Dublin Airport To Conrad Hotel Dublin Private Chauffeur Transfer: $178
  • Dublin Airport To Druid Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Private Chauffeur Transfer: $262
  • Dublin Airport To Hotel Riu Plaza The Grasham Dublin Private Chauffeur Transfer: $178
  • Dublin Airport To The Shelbourne Hotel Dublin Private Chauffeur Transfer: $178
  • Dublin Airport To Trim Co. Meath Private Luxury Car Transfer: $185

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Dublin?

Prices for flights to both Dublin 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
    Dublin $53

Typical Food Prices in Dublin

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


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    $4.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

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

  • Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $29
  • Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $30
  • No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $59
  • Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $82
  • Private Cooking Class in a Modern Home with Sea Views in Skerries, Dublin: $84
  • Dublin Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $87
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $95
  • The Food Tour: $96
  • Bread, Beer & Bia: Irish Cooking Class & Dinner in Dublin: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Dublin $27

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
  • Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $71
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $79
  • 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: $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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    $28
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    $29
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    $4.87
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    $6.82

Tours and Activities in Dublin

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Retracing Viking Origins on a Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.58
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.33
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide for smartphone in French: $5.33
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Dublin: $5.44
  • Turtle Bunbury's A Self-Guided Audio Tour from a Celebrated Author: $5.99
  • Temple Bar Self-Guided Must-See Highlights Tour: $6.29
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $6.29
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.34
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.39
  • Stories of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Dublin $19

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 Dublin

Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Dublin Traditional Irish Pub Crawl: $15
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $15
  • Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
  • "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery - Guided Tour and Whiskey Tasting: $19
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $20
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $21
  • The Black Experience Pub Tour: $22
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $23
  • Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience: $27


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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Dublin?

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

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In the summer, Akureyri is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Dublin. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Dublin 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dublin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Dublin. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Dublin 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Dublin. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dublin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Akureyri is much colder than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Dublin. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Dublin 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Dublin. Additionally, most visitors come to Dublin for the activities around the city during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Dublin. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Dublin 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dublin and Akureyri

Akureyri Dublin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)