Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesEdinburgh Prices
UK Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $189Edinburgh $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $189, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $230. 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 $102Edinburgh $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $204Edinburgh $200
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 $23Edinburgh $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $163
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $93
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
- 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 Edinburgh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
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Local Bus$4.84
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.: $330
- Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Business Car: $147
- Airport Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Luxury Car: $176
- Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Business Car: $147
- Airport Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Luxury Van: $170
- Arrival Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Business Car: $147
- Arrival Transfer: Airport EDI to Edinburgh by Luxury Van: $174
- Departure Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Business Car: $147
- Departure Transfer: Edinburgh to Airport EDI by Luxury Van: $170
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Edinburgh Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to Glasgow - Arrival Private Transfer: $137
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 $70Edinburgh $91
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$13
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Lunch for Two$20
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Sandwich$2.49
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Cheese & bread$9.73
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Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$34
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2 Coffees and Scones$7.80
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Turkish Delight$1.88
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Soup at the Pub$7.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- New! Taste of Local Food Tour in Stockbridge: $109
- Edinburgh Food Tour with Scotch, Haggis, a Secret Dish & More: $133
- The Best Food Tour in Edinburgh: $164
- Tailored Premium Edinburgh Food Tour with Highest Quality Dishes: $171
- Traditional Scottish Cooking Class & Dinner with Edinburgh Local: $178
- The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh With Locals: Private Food Tour: $183
- Edinburgh Like a Local: New Town & Stockbridge Food Tour: $185
- Modern Scottish Cooking Class & Lunch in Chef's Edinburgh Home: $213
- PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tours - Old Town, Leith: $241
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Edinburgh $27
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $164
- 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: $156
- 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 Port: Small Group Godafoss and Laufas Turf House Tour: $133
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169
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$43
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Movie Tickets for Two$16
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Donation for Storytellers$8.07
Tours and Activities in Edinburgh
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Edinburgh Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $5.92
- Edinburgh Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Queer History and Iconic Places: An Edinburgh Audio Tour: $6.99
- Edinburgh's Trainspotting Sites Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
- A History of Witchcraft in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tour with an App: $9.99
- Highlights from Edinburgh’s Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Enlightenment in A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $12
- Edinburgh Hidden Gems Self-Guided Private Tour: $12
- Explore Remarkable Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
- Pubs Tour: The history of Pubs and Drinking in Scotland.: $19
- Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Edinburgh $20
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$19
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Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern$2.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Edinburgh Party Pub Crawl – 7 Bars, Free Shots & VIP Club Entry: $21
- Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $21
- The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!: $21
- Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $34
- The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: $34
- Rum or Agave Tasting Sip Antics Distillery Edinburgh: $34
- Edinburgh Christmas Bar Crawl: $34
- Thirsty for Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour: $40
- Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting: $41
- Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery: $63
- From Glenkinchie Distillery & Whisky Experience: $75
- Stirling Distillery and Saint Andrews Italian Tour Guide: $75
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.