Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Gothenburg, 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 Gothenburg?
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.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesGothenburg Prices
Sweden Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $185Gothenburg $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $185, while the average daily cost in Gothenburg is $142. 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 Gothenburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $100Gothenburg $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $200Gothenburg $90
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Gothenburg
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Gothenburg $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $161
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $115
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $31
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
- Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $31
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg
Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $127
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $104
- Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $209
- Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $76
- Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $78
- City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $130
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $16
- Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $16
- Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $112
- Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $110
- Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $166
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Gothenburg?
Prices for flights to both Gothenburg 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 $69Gothenburg $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Gothenburg $18
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 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: $154
- 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: $162
- Akureyri Private Tour Godafoss Myvatn Grjotagja Hverir Viti: $253
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169
Tours and Activities in Gothenburg
For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Self-Guided Tour in Gothenburg With 100 Audio Stories: $3.46
- Gothenburg Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
- Alfie Atkins Cultural Centre Admission Ticket: $17
- Gothenburg Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $17
- Old Town Sightseeing Tour: $17
- World of Volvo Exhibition Entry Ticket: $20
- Self-Guided Secrets of Gothenburg Exploration Game Tour: $23
- Paradox Museum Entry Ticket: $25
- Gothenburg Universeum Ticket - Aquarium, Science, Wildlife, Zoo: $26
- Universeum Entry Ticket: $27
- The Paddan Tour: $28
- City Canal Sightseeing Cruise: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $14Gothenburg $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Gothenburg, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri than you might in Gothenburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Gothenburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Gothenburg?
Gothenburg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Gothenburg, 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 Gothenburg?
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 Gothenburg in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Gothenburg.
In July, Akureyri is generally cooler than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gothenburg. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Gothenburg. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Gothenburg. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Gothenburg in the Autumn?
Both Gothenburg and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Gothenburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Gothenburg during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Gothenburg in the Winter?
Both Gothenburg and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit.
It's quite cold in Gothenburg in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the winter, Akureyri is cooler than Gothenburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Gothenburg averages at about -2°C (29°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Gothenburg. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Gothenburg. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg 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)Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Gothenburg in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Gothenburg.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Gothenburg during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)
Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Gothenburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 75 mm (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.