A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Akureyri vs. Howth for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Akureyri or Howth?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Howth, 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 Howth?

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.

Howth

Howth is a traditional fishing village and suburb of Dublin that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to their beautiful natural scenery and incredible fresh seafood restaurants. The fresh sea air, relaxed atmosphere, and great seafood attracts tourists and Dubliners alike. They've also become a popular filming location due to Howth Castle and the picturesque harbours and walking trails.

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 in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Howth or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Howth is $144. 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 Howth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Howth $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Howth $136
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Howth

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Howth? 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.

Hotels in Akureyri


Hotels in Howth


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Howth $43

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Howth?

Prices for flights to both Howth 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 day
    Akureyri $35
    Howth $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Howth $27

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 Howth

Here are a few actual costs in Howth for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Howth $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:

  • Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143


When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Howth, we can see that Howth is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Howth Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Akureyri or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

Both Howth and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Akureyri is cooler than Howth. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Howth averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Howth. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Howth 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Howth because of the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Howth. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Howth. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Howth. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Howth 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Howth in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Howth. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Howth in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Howth during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Howth. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Howth 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Howth in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Howth. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Howth. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Howth averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Howth. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Howth. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Howth 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Howth and Akureyri

Akureyri Howth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)