Which place is cheaper, Tromso 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 Tromso?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Tromso, 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 Tromso?
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.
Tromso
The city of Tromso, in northern Norway, is named after the island of Tromsoya, on which it stands. Tromso is located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. From September to March many people come to Tromso to see the northern lights. From 20 May to 20 July the midnight sun makes it possible to do as the locals and participate in various activities around the clock. In general, Tromso has a mild climate for such a northerly destination because of its seaside location and the warming effect of the Gulf stream. The area has a modern mix of outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and places to eat local food.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesTromso Prices
Norway Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Tromso $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Tromso is $83. 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 Tromso in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Tromso $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Tromso $64
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Tromso
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Tromso? 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 Tromso Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Tromso $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tromso
Also for Tromso, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Tromso Airport and City Vice Versa: $93
- Tromsø Private Airport-Hotel Transfer Service up to 13 guests: $45
- Tromso Cable Car Arctic Panorama Transfer: $123
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Tromso?
Prices for flights to both Tromso 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 $71Tromso $43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tromso
For Tromso, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hours Private Walking Food Tour in Norway: $185
- Reindeer Camp Dinner with Chance of Northern Lights in Tromso: $201
- Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights: $205
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Tromso $6.59
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
Tours and Activities in Tromso
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tromso.
- Cod Tasting experience, Norwegian history and Food culture: $61
- Mid-Day Polar Expedition Cruise Tour: $82
- Tromsø: Northern Lights Adventure with Free Photos: $86
- 1 Hour Photo & History Cruise: $92
- 4 Hour Aurora Tour Photos Snacks and Warm Drinks Included: $98
- 7 hours Tromsø Aurora Tour: Photos, snacks & warm drinks included: $98
- Northern Lights Walking Tour: $123
- Northern Lights Tour in Tromso : $123
- Express Fjord Road trip with Cruise Ship Pick up and Drop off: $129
- Tromsø: Kvaløya & Sommarøy Guided Fjord Tour with Lunch: $131
- Aurora tour: $134
- Arctic fjord and Landscape Tour: $139
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Tromso $5.47
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Tromso, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 Tromso.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Tromso Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Tromso?
Tromso has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Tromso, 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 Tromso?
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 Tromso in the Summer?
Both Tromso and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Akureyri is generally around the same temperature as Tromso. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Tromso, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Tromso. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Tromso. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Tromso 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Tromso in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Tromso. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tromso in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tromso can get quite cold in the autumn. Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Akureyri is a little warmer than Tromso in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Tromso receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Tromso. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Tromso 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Tromso in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Tromso. Additionally, most visitors come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
Tromso can be very cold during winter. Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Tromso averages at about -4°C (25°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Tromso -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Tromso in the Spring?
Both Tromso and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Tromso because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
The weather in Tromso can be very cold. Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Tromso during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Tromso. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Tromso 1°C (33°F)
Typical Weather for Tromso and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Tromso | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.