Which place is cheaper, Geneva or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Akureyri or Geneva?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Geneva, 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 Geneva?
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.
Geneva
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.
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 Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Geneva $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Geneva is $210. 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 Geneva in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Geneva $145
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Geneva $290
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Geneva
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Geneva? 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 Geneva Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Geneva $9.38
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 Geneva
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:
- Airport Transfer Geneva Airport to Villars sur Ollon: $361
- Airport transfer - Geneva city center: $134
- Arrival Transfer from Geneva Airport GVA to Geneva by Sedan: $73
- Departure Transfer from Geneva to Geneva Airport GVA by MiniVan: $95
- From Private Transfer to Chamonix Mont Blanc: $267
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $131
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix (FR) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Courchevel (FR) Arrival Private Transfer: $174
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Meribel (FR) - Arrival Private Transfer: $195
- Geneva Airport (GVA) to Montreux - Arrival Private Transfer: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Geneva?
Prices for flights to both Geneva 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 dayAkureyri $35Geneva $52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Geneva.
- Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
- City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
- Food tour in Geneva: $2,406
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Geneva $30
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 Geneva
Here are a few actual costs in Geneva for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
- Geneva Lakeside Stroll: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- From Brunswick Monument to the Botanical Garden: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Old Town Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Geneva Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.02
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Many Faces of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $11
- International District Self-Guided City Sightseeing: $15
- Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $15
- Geneva (International District) City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Geneva $22
Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:
- Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Geneva, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Geneva?
Geneva has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Geneva, 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 Geneva?
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 Geneva in the Summer?
Both Geneva and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Akureyri is much colder than Geneva in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Geneva. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Geneva. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Geneva 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Geneva in the Autumn?
Both Geneva and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Geneva averages at about 14°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 127 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Geneva. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Geneva 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Geneva in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Geneva. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Geneva can be very cold. Akureyri can be very cold during winter. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Geneva during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Geneva receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Geneva. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Geneva 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Geneva in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Geneva. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Geneva in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).
In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Geneva. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Geneva receives 174 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Geneva. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Geneva 11°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Geneva and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Geneva | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.