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

Should you visit Akureyri or Killarney?

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

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

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.

Killarney

Rated by TripAdvisor as Ireland's most popular travel destination for 2015, Killarney attracts many visitors each year for its natural heritage, history, and its location on the Ring of Kerry (a 179-km-long circular tourist route in County Kerry, south-western Ireland). Dating back to early Irish history with religious settlements, Killarney's rich history lays evident in the ruins of various abbeys, monasteries, and castles. The archaeological sites are popular with tourists as well as the town's natural wonders, gift shops, pubs, and horse-drawn carriages.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Killarney or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $189, while the average daily cost in Killarney is $233. 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 Killarney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Killarney $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Killarney $238
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Killarney

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Killarney? 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 Killarney


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 Killarney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Killarney $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $117
  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $164

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Killarney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Killarney:

  • Kerry Airport Transfers: Killarney to Kerry Airport: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Killarney?

Prices for flights to both Killarney 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 $70
    Killarney $93

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Killarney

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Killarney.

  • Killarney Food Tour: $177

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Killarney $22

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

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

  • Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
  • War and Peace Museum - Tour: $24
  • Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $69
  • From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V): $77
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $90
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $100
  • Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $100
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108

Tours and Activities in Killarney

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

  • Killarney National Park Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $18
  • Ross Castle and Copper Mines Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $18
  • Killarney Hop - On, Hop - Off Tour: $19
  • 1 hour Lake Cruise on Killarney's Largest Lake: $20
  • Self-Guided Bike Tour of Killarney National Park, Muckross Gardens & Waterfall: $24
  • Lakes of Killarney Cruise: $24
  • Boat Tour to Innisfallen Island, Killarney Lakes: $24
  • Orienteering Boat Tour on the Lakes of Killarney: $29
  • Self Guided Bike Tour on the Tralee to Fenit Greenway: $29
  • Lakes Boat Tour, Meeting of the Waters: $35
  • Killarney National Park Jaunting Car Tour: $42
  • Killarney Carriage Tours National Park and Lakes: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Killarney $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Killarney

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Killarney:

  • Skellig Six18 Distillery Tours: $27


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Killarney, we can see that Killarney 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 Killarney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Killarney 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 Killarney Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Killarney?

Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Killarney. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Killarney, 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 Killarney?

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 Killarney in the Summer?

Both Killarney and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Killarney for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Akureyri is cooler than Killarney in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Killarney fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Akureyri usually receives more sunshine than Killarney during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Killarney. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Killarney 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Killarney in the Autumn?

Both Killarney and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Killarney in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Killarney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Killarney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Killarney. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 79 hours of full sun.

Killarney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Killarney. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Killarney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Killarney in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Killarney. Also, most visitors come to Killarney for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Killarney. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Killarney fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Killarney during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Killarney receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

Killarney receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Killarney. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Killarney 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Killarney in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Killarney. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Killarney because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Akureyri can be very cold during spring. Akureyri is much colder than Killarney in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Killarney fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Killarney. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Killarney receives 150 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Killarney. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Killarney receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Killarney 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Killarney and Akureyri

Akureyri Killarney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 156 mm (6.2 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)