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

Should you visit Akureyri or Nantes?

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

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

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.

Nantes

Nantes is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, 31 miles from the Atlantic coast. The city is the sixth largest in France, with almost 600,000 inhabitants within the Urban area. Together with Saint-Nazaire, a seaport located on the Loire estuary, Nantes forms the main metropolis of north-western France. The city has a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Chateau des ducs de Bretagne - a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France. It has been transformed in the last 20 years probably more than any other city in France. It is not only a vibrant and young metropolis often rewarded for its top-quality of life, but a city where art has literally been integrated in all possible aspects, making it a true example of how artists can turn a city upside down.

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 France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes 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 Nantes is $116. 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 Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Nantes $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Nantes $128
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Nantes? 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 Nantes


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 Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Nantes $38

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

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

  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes 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
    Nantes $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

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

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Nantes $14

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

Tours and Activities in Nantes

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59
  • PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike: $60
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Nantes $6.89

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 Nantes

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

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Nantes?

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

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 Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Nantes. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Nantes. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Akureyri or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Nantes. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Nantes. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Akureyri

Akureyri Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)