Which place is cheaper, Quepos or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Akureyri or Quepos?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Quepos, 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 Quepos?
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.
Quepos
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.
-
Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesQuepos Prices
Costa Rica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Quepos $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Quepos is $139. 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 Quepos in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Quepos $76
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Quepos $152
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Quepos
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Quepos? 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.
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 Quepos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Quepos $9.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quepos
Also for Quepos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José (Airport SJO): $220
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop.: $203
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to/from Manuel Antonio (One Way): $99
- Transfer from Manuel Antonio to SJO Airport and surroundings : $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Quepos?
Prices for flights to both Quepos 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 dayAkureyri $71Quepos $51
Typical Food Prices in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$15
-
Seafood Dinner (for 1)$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quepos
For Quepos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit: $77
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio: $77
- Night Mangrove Safari Boat Tour with Dinner | Manuel Antonio: $79
- Local Flavor Cooking Experience: $81
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Quepos $17
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Cruise Port: Mývatn Lakes, Waterfalls & Nature Trip: $282
- Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $167
- Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $229
- 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: $82
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $329
- Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $247
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $143
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $135
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108
- E-Bike Tour with Forest Lagoon Entry: $217
Tours and Activities in Quepos
For Quepos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $25
- Quepos Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $26
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $27
- Manuel Antonio Park: Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $27
- 2-3-Hour Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $28
- Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: $29
- Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour : $29
- Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park: $29
- Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches: $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park guided Tour: $30
- Manuel Antonio with Mauro / Tickets not Included! : $30
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Guided Tour with Beach Time: $30
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Quepos $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Quepos, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Quepos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Akureyri is in Europe and Quepos is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Quepos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Quepos 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 Quepos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Quepos Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Quepos?
Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Quepos, 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 Quepos?
Akureyri has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Akureyri or Quepos in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Quepos. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.
In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In the summer, Akureyri often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Quepos. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Quepos. Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Quepos. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Quepos 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Quepos in the Autumn?
Both Quepos and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Quepos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Quepos. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Quepos is December to April. The hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Quepos in the Winter?
Both Quepos and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Quepos averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In Quepos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets more rain in January than Quepos. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Quepos 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Quepos in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Quepos. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Quepos. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. December to April in Quepos is the dry season. May to November is the hurricane season in Quepos.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Quepos 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Quepos and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Quepos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.