Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Rotterdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $142Rotterdam $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $142, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $167. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $92Rotterdam $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $184Rotterdam $170
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $21Rotterdam $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,384
- Private Northern Lights Tour with Transfer & Snack: $564
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $119
- Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $33
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madurodam: Train + tram transferring to/from Rotterdam: $8.06
- Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $175
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $282
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $175
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $178
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $248
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to IJmuiden Port: $63
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Airport (RTM) to Rotterdam Port: $40
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Cruise Port to Amsterdam hotels: $102
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Amsterdam Airport (AMS): $78
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam Port to Rotterdam Airport (RTM): $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $36Rotterdam $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $50
- Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide - the best vegan spots: $66
- Guided Food Tour: $82
- #1 Food Tour in eat & enjoy with a local guide: $85
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $88
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $89
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $89
- Food Tour by Bike: $94
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $124
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $158
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $166
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $16Rotterdam $35
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Godafoss Waterfall Circle Guided Tour: $102
- Akureyri Hop on Hop off tour: $47
- Akureyri Northern Light Tour: $124
- Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $128
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $92
- Forest Lagoon Entrance Ticket: $51
- Goðafoss, Dettifoss, and Lake Myvatn Tour: $251
- Goðafoss, Laufas & The Christmas House Combo Tour: $126
- Guided Whale Watching Tour from the City Center: $83
- Hunt for the Northern Lights Photography Tour: $128
- Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $161
- Mývatn Nature Baths and Goðafoss Waterfall Tour: $217
Tours and Activities in Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.32
- Rotterdam Walking Tour in 2 Hours : $3.38
- Rotterdam Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.52
- Private Walking Tour in Dordrecht with Audio Guide on App: $6.00
- Highlights App Guided Tour with Puzzles: $6.63
- Breda: The True Lord Quest Experience: $7.33
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.52
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.52
- Explore Gouda with Self-Guided GPS and Audio Tour: $7.84
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.31
- Rotterdam City of Spies Quest Experience: $8.45
- Experience an exciting outdoor escape game via smartphone: $8.77
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $13Rotterdam $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:
- Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $148
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.31
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $9.41
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Akureyri is generally cooler than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Rotterdam. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Rotterdam. Also, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Rotterdam. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Rotterdam can be very cold. Akureyri can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Rotterdam. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Rotterdam. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Rotterdam in the Spring?
Both Rotterdam and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Rotterdam this time of year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Rotterdam during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 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.