Which place is cheaper, Glasgow or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Glasgow?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?
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.
Glasgow
Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Glasgow $180
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Glasgow is $180. 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 Glasgow in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Glasgow $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Glasgow $184
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Glasgow
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Glasgow? 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 Glasgow Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Glasgow $34
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow
Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
- Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Business Car: $93
- Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Luxury Car: $139
- Departure Private Transfers: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Business Car: $98
- Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
- From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
- Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145
- Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
- Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
- Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64
- Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Glasgow?
Prices for flights to both Glasgow 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 $35Glasgow $56
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:
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Dessert at Farmer's Market$2.24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Glasgow $28
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 Glasgow
For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)$15
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Two Bike Rental$42
Tours and Activities in Glasgow
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Glasgow Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Private Historical Walking Tour: $15
- City Center Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $15
- Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $17
- Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tour: $19
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Glasgow $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 Glasgow
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:
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Bottle of Wine$15
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Ciders at Kilted Skirlie$4.36
Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:
- Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
- Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
- Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
- Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
- Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
- Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
- The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
- Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
- Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
- Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Glasgow, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Glasgow?
Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?
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 Glasgow in the Summer?
Both Glasgow and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.
In July, Akureyri is generally cooler than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In the summer, Akureyri often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Glasgow. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 159 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Glasgow. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Glasgow 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Glasgow in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Glasgow. Also, many travelers come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Glasgow in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Glasgow during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 69 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Glasgow 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Glasgow in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Glasgow. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Glasgow can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Glasgow. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Glasgow averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Glasgow. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Glasgow receives 40 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Glasgow. Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Glasgow. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Glasgow 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Glasgow in the Spring?
Both Glasgow and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the activities around the city during these months.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Glasgow during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Glasgow receives 134 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Glasgow 7°C (45°F)
Typical Weather for Glasgow and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Glasgow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 164 mm (6.5 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.