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

Should you visit Akureyri or Split?

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

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

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.

Split

Split is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split 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 $188, while the average daily cost in Split is $224. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Split $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Split $192
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Split

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Split $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

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

  • **Private Door to Door Airport Split Transfer up to 15 People**: $71
  • Airport Transfer from Split: $45
  • Airport Transfer to Split: $45
  • Airport transfers - round trip: $158
  • Airport transfers, Locco transfers, Port transfers: $93
  • CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer Split Airport to Split City: $62
  • CO2-Offset Departure Transfer Split City to Split Airport SPU: $62
  • Cetina River Rafting Tour with Transfer from Split: $76
  • Cruise Port of Split to Split hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $82
  • From Split or Trogir: Cetina River Rafting with Transfer: $93
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Dubrovnik: $491
  • From Zagreb Transfer & Plitvice Lakes Tour: $162

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split $106

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Split’s Ultimate Walking Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks: $67
  • Small Group Food Tour with Private Option: $104
  • Split Food Tour Local Dishes and City Stories: $116
  • Split Old Town Authentic Food Tour with 9 Dishes & Local Wines: $128
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite at a Time: $140
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $141
  • Vegan Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Split: $206
  • From farm to table : Cooking class on island Brac: $259

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Split $13

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

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

  • Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour: $180
  • Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $293
  • 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: $81
  • Akureyri Port: Hot Godafoss Waterfall Tour & The Forest Lagoon: $157
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $328
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $182
  • Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $246
  • Akureyri Private Tour Godafoss Myvatn Grjotagja Hverir Viti: $257
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169
  • 3-Day Northern Lights, Whales, & Lagoon Tour: $533

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Split Quest Experience: Discover the City: $5.00
  • Split self guided walking tour through history: $5.88
  • Split Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h and 17 audio reviews: $6.94
  • Discover Split Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • TOP Split : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
  • Split Walking Tour with Super or just Mario: $12
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Entry Ticket to Selfie Experience Museum: $13
  • Klis Fortress Sunset Tour & Game of Thrones Views: $13
  • Walking Tour of UNESCO Diocletian Palace & Old Town: $14
  • Klis Fortress & Olive Museum Tour with GOT Sites: $14
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Split $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

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

  • Split Pub Crawl: Nightlife, Shots & Club Entry: $14
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $32
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Ziggy Star's Nightlife Pub Crawl Experience in Split: $47
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $53
  • Dalmatian wine tasting by Bottiglia wine & deli: $53
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $55
  • From Krka Waterfalls day tour & wine tasting: $55
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $55
  • Olive Oil and Wine Tasting with Snacks: $57
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $64
  • Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $99


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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Split?

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

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Split. Also, many visitors come to Split in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Split. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets more rain in July than Split. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Split. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Split. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Split because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Akureyri can be very cold during winter. Akureyri is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Split. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Split. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Akureyri or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Split. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Split. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Akureyri

Akureyri Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)