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

Should you visit Akureyri or Oslo?

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

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

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.

Oslo

Oslo is not only the largest city in Norway, and also its capital. It also holds the title as the most expensive city in the world. Oslo is a unique capital city in that its boundaries include much forest and wildlife. The city itself is nestled in an amphitheater type setting. The city's core is in the bottom by the fjord, and the residential areas stretch uphill away from the downtown area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Oslo 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 Oslo is $158. 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 Oslo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Oslo $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Oslo $156
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Oslo

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Oslo? 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 Oslo


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 Oslo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Oslo $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Oslo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Oslo are as follows:


  • Tram Ticket
    $7.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oslo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Oslo:

  • Airport & City Transfers in Trondheim: $141
  • Airport Transfer: Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Business Car: $150
  • Arrival Transfer: Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo by Business Van: $256
  • Departure Private Transfer from Oslo City to Oslo Airport OSL by Luxury Van: $176
  • Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Oslo Cruise Port to Oslo hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $141
  • Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to Oslo - Arrival Private Transfer: $135
  • Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to Oslo Round-Trip Private Transfer: $270
  • Oslo Private Transfer from Oslo (OSL) Airport to City centre: $156
  • Private Direct Transfer From Oslo to Drammen: $89
  • Private Transfer From Oslo To Drammen With a 2 Hour Stop: $153
  • Private Transfer Oslo Airport OSL to Oslo City by Bus: $263

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Oslo?

Prices for flights to both Oslo 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
    Oslo $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oslo

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

  • Oslofjord Dinner Cruise on a sailing ship: $81
  • Private Chef Forest Dinner: Authentic Norwegian Food Tour in Oslo: $136
  • Oslo fjord 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $161
  • Oslo Guided Food Tour with 5 Food Tastings and a Secret Dish: $165
  • Norwegian Food Tour & Hidden Gems City Walk: $189
  • Oslo Food Walking Tour with Fjord Cruise and Open Fire Cooking: $215

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Oslo $16

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): $76
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour near Akureyri: $82
  • Whale Watching Adventure in Akureyri: $84
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $85
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
  • Whale Watching and Puffin Tour from Hauganes: $90
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95

Tours and Activities in Oslo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Oslo are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Tours in Oslo with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.52
  • Downtown Self-Guided Highlights and History Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Oslo with Audio Guide: $5.88
  • Free Tour of Oslo in Spanish : Local History and Culture: $5.88
  • Oslo Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Oslo Self Guided Tour of Sealed Books Saunas and a Chosen King: $6.99
  • Oslo Walking Tour 3:00 am and 22 audio reviews: $7.44
  • Digging up the Past in Røros: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Oslo's Waterfront: $9.99
  • Discover Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Oslo City - Self Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Central Oslo Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Oslo $9.59

Sample the Local Flavors in Oslo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oslo:

  • Pub Crawl in Oslo with Local Guide: $38


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

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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Oslo?

Oslo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Oslo. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

Akureyri is much colder than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Oslo this time of the year. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Oslo. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Akureyri or Oslo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Oslo. Also, many travelers come to Oslo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Oslo. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Oslo 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Oslo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Oslo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In January, Akureyri is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Oslo during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives more rain than Oslo. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Oslo -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Oslo in the Spring?

Both Oslo and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Oslo for the activities around the city during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. Akureyri is much colder than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Oslo. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Oslo. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Oslo 6°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Oslo and Akureyri

Akureyri Oslo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) -4°C (25°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -3°C (26°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) -2°C (28°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)