Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
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.
Rotorua
Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.
Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Rotorua? 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 Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Rotorua $4.99
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 Rotorua
Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua 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 $71Rotorua $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
- Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
- Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Rotorua $34
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Lunch Out for Two$27
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mini Golf Experience: $12
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $26
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $29
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $29
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $30
- Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome: $34
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ticket & Self-Guided Walk: $38
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $38
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Rotorua $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Rotorua, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Akureyri is in Europe and Rotorua is in Pacific, 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 Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Rotorua.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Akureyri has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Akureyri or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Rotorua. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Akureyri is generally around the same temperature as Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Rotoruain January. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Akureyri is much colder than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
In October, Akureyri usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua 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 Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
Akureyri usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Rotorua. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.
Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Rotoruain October. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.