Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Edinburgh?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?
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.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.
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 Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Edinburgh $177
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $177. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Edinburgh $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Edinburgh $184
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Edinburgh
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Edinburgh $21
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
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Local Bus$4.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer to/from Edinburgh City, St'Andrews etc.: $112
- Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Business Car: $129
- Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Luxury Van: $153
- Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Business Car: $129
- Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Luxury Car: $163
- Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Luxury Van: $153
- Arrival Transfer Edinburgh Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Minivan: $95
- Central Edinburgh Hotels to Edinburgh Airport Transfers 1-3: $255
- Departure Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Business Car: $129
- Edinburgh Accommodation to Edinburgh Airport Departure Transfer: $59
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh Luxury Taxi Transfer: $152
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Glasgow - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Edinburgh?
Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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 $35Edinburgh $49
Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$11
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Dinner at Filling Station$12
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Lunch for Two$19
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Sandwich$2.30
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Cheese & bread$9.01
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Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$31
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2 Coffees and Scones$7.23
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Turkish Delight$1.74
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Soup at the Pub$7.35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $87
- Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
- 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
- 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $116
- Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $120
- Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $167
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Edinburgh $25
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Edinburgh
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Show Tickets$40
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Movie Tickets for Two$15
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Donation for Storytellers$7.47
Tours and Activities in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Escape Game and Tour: $3.74
- Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour: $4.36
- Audio Tour Royal Mile: del Castillo hasta "The Tron Kirk": $5.34
- Edinbourgh, Royal mile: walking tour with audio guide: $5.35
- Edinburgh Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $5.56
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Audio Tour through History of Crime: $7.00
- Edinburgh Royal mile: Self-guided walking tour: $7.19
- Must-See In App Audio Tour: $7.61
- Edinburgh Royal Mile (New Self Guided Tour) : $7.99
- Harry Potter’s A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Edinburgh $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:
- Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143
Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
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Beer & Wine$18
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Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern$2.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
- Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
- Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
- East Lothian: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
- Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
- Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
- Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
- Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $31
- Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
- The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32
- Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?
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 Edinburgh in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Edinburgh. Additionally, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Akureyri is cooler than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In the summer, Akureyri often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Edinburgh. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Edinburgh 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Edinburgh in the Autumn?
Both Edinburgh and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Edinburgh 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Edinburgh in the Winter?
Both Edinburgh and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. Akureyri is much colder than Edinburgh in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Edinburgh. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Edinburgh 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Edinburgh in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Edinburgh. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 7°C (45°F).
Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Edinburgh during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Edinburgh 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Edinburgh | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 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.