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

Should you visit Akureyri or London?

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

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

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London 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 London is $236. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    London $153
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    London $306
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and London

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or London? 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 London


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 London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    London $32

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:


  • Taxi Ride
    $18
  • Heathrow Express
    $22
  • Luggage Storage
    $9.97
  • London Map
    $1.61
  • Oyster Card
    $45
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $27
  • Oyster Card
    $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • "Private Group Transfer: Heathrow Airport to City of London": $172
  • "Private Transfer: Heathrow Airport to Central London Hotel": $70
  • "Private Transfer: Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port": $146
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Bath".: $162
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Bournemouth".: $152
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Cambridge.": $106
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Crawley.": $94
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Dorking.": $82
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Dorking.": $81
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Guildford.": $77
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Harlow".: $99
  • "Private Transfer: London Heathrow Airport to Slough": $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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
    London $43

Typical Food Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $16
  • Tea
    $7.47
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $49
  • Morning Tea
    $7.91
  • Pastry
    $6.23
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Borough Market Food Tour - Self Guided: $6.47
  • Dinner and Live DJ at A Fancy Restaurant: $16
  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $34
  • Picadilly Circus: Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner: $36
  • Tea and Doughnuts: Borough Market Walking Food Tour: $44
  • Pizza Making Cookery Class: $52
  • Borough Bites, The London Food Tour: $66
  • Borough Market Flavors of London Food Tour: $66
  • No Diet Club - Best food Tour in East London: $67
  • African & Caribbean Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Brixton: $74
  • Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $87
  • Ultimate London Food Tour: Borough Market & Southwark: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    London $41

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 London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $103
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $43
  • London Pass
    $59
  • Comedy Show
    $9.97

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • London's Hidden Gems Self Guided City Tour: $3.26
  • London Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.27
  • Harry Potter Movie Locations Self Walking Tour: $3.74
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in London: $5.44
  • Bloomsbury's Contribution to Health Care History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Covent Garden: A Self-Guided Photography Tour : $5.54
  • Brick Lane: A self-guided audio tour of East London's vibrant jewel: $5.54
  • Secret An audio tour about the heritage of the city's Russian immigrants: $5.54
  • London Lights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Cultural Capital of the World: $5.54
  • Photographing Dynamic Soho: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.55
  • Southbank Photography Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.55
  • Bustling Bloomsbury: A Self-Guided Street Photography Tour: $5.55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    London $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:

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

Sample the Local Flavors in London

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:

  • Historic Pub Walking Tour of London: $13
  • 2-Hour Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $20
  • Shoreditch Bar Crawl of Five Venues with Drink Deals: $22
  • Central London Pub Crawl: $23
  • 1 Big Night Out Weekday Pub Crawl: $23
  • Camden Pub Crawl in London: $25
  • Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting of 4 Beers: $25
  • Shoreditch Pub Crawl in London: $25
  • Pub Crawl of Central London: $29
  • Burlesque Cabaret Show in Covent Garden: $31
  • Camden Pub Crawl & Bar Tour London: $31
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $31


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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 450 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and London, 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 London?

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 London in the Summer?

Both London and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than London. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than London. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 195 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than London. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    London 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or London in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and London. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than London during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as London. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Akureyri or London in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as London. Additionally, many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in London. It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than London. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 52 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as London. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    London 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or London in the Spring?

Both London and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to London in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than London. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than London during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than London. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for London and Akureyri

Akureyri London
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)