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

Should you visit Akureyri or Rome?

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

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

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.

Rome

Rome is the kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.

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 Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 $189, while the average daily cost in Rome is $240. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Rome $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Rome $208
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Rome? 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 Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Rome $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $117
  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $164

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.32
  • Train to the Airport
    $17
  • Taxi to Airport
    $52
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • “Skip the Taxi Line : Private FCO ↔ Rome Transfer with Pro Driver”: $53
  • Airport Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome by Business Car: $103
  • Airport Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome by Luxury Van: $110
  • Airport Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Business Car: $124
  • Appian Catacombs Guided Tour with Transfere: $74
  • Arrival Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Business Car: $124
  • Arrival in Airport Transfer & Exclusive City Introduction: $264
  • Caracalla Baths Ticket with Transfer and Audio Guide App: $70
  • Catacombs Tour with Transfer – Optional Capuchin Crypt or Trevi: $58
  • Catacombs in Rome with private transfer: $130
  • Ciampino Airport transfer: $118
  • Ciampino to Rome city transfers: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
    Rome $97

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $16
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.47
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.64
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $3.08
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $37
  • Cheese and bread
    $12
  • Espresso
    $2.32
  • Dinner
    $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
  • Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome: $40
  • Rome Food Tour for Breakfast Lovers: $41
  • Rome Pizza Making Class for Families in Trastevere: $46
  • Rome Food Tour: Tastings in the Jewish Ghetto & Campo de' Fiori: $46
  • Rome Early Morning Breakfast and Sightseeing Food Tour: $46
  • Cappuccino, Moka and Tiramisù Cooking Class in Central Rome: $48
  • The Original Fettuccine & Tiramisu Cooking Class in Rome: $50
  • Rome Street Food Tour: Eat Like a Local: $51
  • Cooking Class in the Heart of Pizza and Tiramisu Making: $52
  • Rome Street Food Tour and Jewish Ghetto Area Guided Sightseeing: $53
  • Tasty Rome Street Food Tour around Campo de' Fiori Market & Jewish Ghetto: $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Rome $42

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): $77
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $90
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $100
  • Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $100
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $80
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $38
  • Roma Pass
    $35
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $23
  • Segway Tour
    $87

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Rome Best Kept Secrets: Self-Guided City Tour: $3.53
  • Colosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Walking Tour: $3.77
  • Ancient City Walking Tour at Twilight: $4.13
  • Hidden Treasures — A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $4.71
  • Historical Walking Tour in Rome City Center with Hidden Gems: $4.72
  • Rome Art Walking Tour Who Killed Caravaggio: $4.72
  • Saint Peter's Basilica Vatican Tour: $4.72
  • Experience Rome Trevi Fountain with Ticket: $4.72
  • Tour of Rome to Visit the Most Iconic Monuments: $5.00
  • Rome Timeless Trail Self Guided Walking Tour with App: $5.50
  • Rome Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.90
  • Rome Pantheon Entry Ticket: $5.90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Rome $21

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.54
  • Pint of Beer
    $7.36
  • Beer
    $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

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

  • Cabaret and Burlesque Show: $35
  • Rome’s Exclusive Wine Tasting: Sip Near the Colosseum!: $38
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $40
  • Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $46
  • Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $50
  • Rome Premium Wine Tasting: 3, 4, 5 or 6 Wines with Expert Guide: $53
  • EAT AND DRINK LIKE A LOCAL - Wine Tasting in Trastevere w/ Gelato: $53
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience by the Vatican: $59
  • Burlesque lessons with the best Italian stars: $59
  • Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Underground Cellar in Rome: $64
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $65
  • Rome Bar Crawl: Interactive Night Tour with Games and Karaoke: $77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Rome during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives more rain than Rome. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Akureyri is much colder than Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Rome. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Rome. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Rome. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Rome. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Rome. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Akureyri

Akureyri Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)