Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
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.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, and The Best Budget Tours to Iceland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $138Reykjavik $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $243. 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 Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $89Reykjavik $138
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $178Reykjavik $276
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Reykjavik? 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 Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $20Reykjavik $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,330
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
- Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $31
- Private Northern Lights Tour with Transfer & Snack: $542
- Northern Lights Tour with Transfer and Snacks: $201
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Express Shared Departure Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $37
- Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $29
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
- Arrival in Iceland - Private airport transfer from KEF Airport: $115
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket with Transfer: $254
- Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $163
- Blue Lagoon One Way Transfer: $185
- Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $471
- Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $304
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik 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
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Food Meals for one dayAkureyri $35Reykjavik $30
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)$176
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $122
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $127
- Reykjavik Market Visit & Lunch Food Tour - Tastes of Iceland: $141
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - Tastes of Iceland: $144
- Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik: $174
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Reykjavik $71
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Northern Light Tour: $104
- Akureyri Private Tour with Myvatn Nature Baths by Luxury VAN: $409
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $88
- Goðafoss, Laufas & The Christmas House Tour: $121
- Hunt for the Northern Lights Photography Tour: $123
- Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Landscapes Tour: $154
- Mývatn Nature Baths and Goðafoss Waterfall Tour: $209
- Northern Lights Photography Tour: $140
- Northern Lights Tour: $106
- Northern Lights Tour in North Iceland: $120
- Siglufjörður Four Tunnel Private Day Tour: $744
- Zipline Tour: $90
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum$11
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Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
- Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $7.98
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
- Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
- Tales from Iceland Admission Ticket: $18
- Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $22
- Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
- Settlement and Egils Saga Exhibition Ticket: $27
- Saga Museum - Entrance ticket: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Reykjavik $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:
- Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer$8.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Reykjavik?
Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?
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 Reykjavik in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Reykjavik. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
Akureyri is around the same temperature as Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. In the autumn, Akureyri is cooler than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Reykjavik in the Winter?
Both Reykjavik and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Reykjavik. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. Akureyri is much colder than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.