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

Should you visit Akureyri or Malmo?

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

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

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.

Malmo

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo 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 $188, while the average daily cost in Malmo is $113. 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 Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Malmo $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Malmo $108
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Malmo? 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 Malmo


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 Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Malmo $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

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

  • Malmö City to Kastrup hotel/address - Private Car Transfer: $103
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $56
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo: $103
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $165

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo 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
    Malmo $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo

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

  • Taysta's Food Tour i Malmö: $42
  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Malmo $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: $156
  • 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 Private Tour Godafoss Myvatn Grjotagja Hverir Viti: $256
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169
  • 3-Day Northern Lights, Whales, & Lagoon Tour: $533

Tours and Activities in Malmo

For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Malmö with Audio Guide: $5.88
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $23
  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Malmo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $44
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $66
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $71
  • Malmo Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $75
  • Copenhagen and Hamlet Tour: $141

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Malmo $40


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Malmo, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Malmo.

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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Malmo?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Malmo, 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 Malmo?

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 Malmo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Malmo.

In the summer, Akureyri is cooler than Malmo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Malmo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malmo. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Malmo. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Malmo in the Autumn?

Both Malmo and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Malmo. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Malmo during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives more rain than Malmo. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Malmo in the Winter?

Both Malmo and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit.

Malmo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Akureyri is much colder than Malmo in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Malmo fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Malmo. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets more rain in January than Malmo. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Malmo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Malmo.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Malmo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Malmo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Malmo during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Malmo. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Akureyri

Akureyri Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)