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

Should you visit Akureyri or Southampton?

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

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

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.

Southampton

A port city on the southeast coast of England, Southampton is a relatively large city in England. It is home to two universities so much of the population is generally young and there are no shortage of activities around town. The town dates back to the Roman and Saxon times and you can see some of the Roman ruins in a suburb named Bitterne Manor. During the Sazon times, the city was Britain's premier trading post. The city put up a protective wall during the Middle Ages and some remains of this wall can still be seen around town. The architecture throughout Southampton is quite modern, in large part because much of the city was destroyed during World War II.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Southampton or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $138, while the average daily cost in Southampton is $164. 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 Southampton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    Southampton $106
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    Southampton $212
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Southampton

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Southampton? 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 Southampton


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 Southampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    Southampton $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,336
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
  • Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $32
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Southampton

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Southampton:


  • Ferry to Isle of Wight
    $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Southampton

Also for Southampton, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • "Private Group Transfer: Southampton Port to London.": $290
  • "Private Stress-Free Transfer: Southampton to Heathrow.": $109
  • "Private Transfer: Heathrow to Southampton Port.": $110
  • From Cruise Terminal to London transfer: $650
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port - Private Transfer: $300
  • Heathrow Airport to Southampton Ports - Private Transfer: $275
  • London to Southampton Cruise Terminal Private Transfer: $651
  • London to Southampton Port | Private Transfer: $300
  • London to Southern England Cruise Terminals Transfers: $119
  • London: City Center and Heathrow to Southampton Transfer: $131
  • Private Minicab Transfer from Southampton Port to London: $287
  • Private Port Arrival Transfer Southampton Cruise Terminals to Gatwick Airport: $226

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Southampton?

Prices for flights to both Southampton 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 $35
    Southampton $46

Typical Food Prices in Southampton

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Southampton:


  • Breakfast
    $4.98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    Southampton $24

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

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

  • Akureyri Private Tour with Myvatn Nature Baths by Luxury VAN: $1,957
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
  • Goðafoss, Laufas & The Christmas House Tour: $122
  • Hunt for the Northern Lights Photography Tour: $124
  • Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Landscapes Tour: $155
  • Mývatn Nature Baths and Goðafoss Waterfall Tour: $210
  • Northern Lights Photography Tour: $141
  • Northern Lights Tour: $107
  • Northern Lights Tour in North Iceland: $120
  • Siglufjörður Four Tunnel Private Day Tour: $748
  • Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
  • Zipline Tour: $90

Tours and Activities in Southampton

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Southampton.

  • Secrets of the Titanic Guided Walking Tour: $20
  • Private Southampton Walking Tour: $22
  • Isle of Wight Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • New Forest Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Winchester from Southampton Port: $112
  • Walk the Secrets of the Titanic: Private Tour: $114
  • Shuttle Service Southampton Cruise Terminals to Heathrow Airport and London: $153
  • Private cruise arrival from Southampton to London or airport: $159
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Windsor from Southampton Port: $160
  • London to Southampton and Portsmouth Cruise: $191
  • Oxford and Blenheim Palace Day Tour from Southampton: $191
  • Private Day Tour To Bath And The Cotswolds: $406

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    Southampton $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:

  • Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143

Sample the Local Flavors in Southampton

Also in Southampton, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Southampton Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47


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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Southampton?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Southampton, 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 Southampton?

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 Southampton in the Summer?

Both Southampton and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Southampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Southampton averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Southampton. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Southampton receives 195 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Southampton. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Southampton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Southampton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Southampton. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Southampton because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Southampton. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Southampton fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Southampton during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Southampton receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Southampton. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Southampton 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Southampton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Southampton. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Southampton this time of year.

It's quite cold in Southampton in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Southampton in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Southampton fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Southampton. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Southampton receives 52 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Southampton. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Southampton 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Southampton in the Spring?

Both Southampton and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Southampton for the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Southampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Southampton averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Southampton during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Southampton receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Southampton. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Southampton receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Southampton 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Southampton and Akureyri

Akureyri Southampton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)