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

Should you visit Akureyri or Valparaiso?

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

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

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.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.

Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.

Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.

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


Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Akureyri Prices
    Iceland Prices
    Valparaiso Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Akureyri $189
    Valparaiso $89

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $189, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is $89. 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 Valparaiso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Valparaiso $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Valparaiso $76
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Valparaiso

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Valparaiso? 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 Valparaiso


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 Valparaiso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Valparaiso $5.18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $117
  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $164

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Private Transfer Cruise Port to Santiago with Wine tour & tasting: $209
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago Hotels: $206
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $110
  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $256
  • Private Valparaiso Port Visit El Cuadro Winery & Transfer: $270
  • Private transfer from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to San Antonio: $133
  • Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Valparaiso?

Prices for flights to both Valparaiso 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
    Valparaiso $41

Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:


  • Empanada
    $2.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valparaiso.

  • Cooking Classes in Viña del Mar Learn to Make Tapas and Desserts: $75
  • 3hr Viña del Mar Cooking Class with local : Ceviche & Leche Asada: $85
  • Learn to Cook Like a Local: Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $132

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Valparaiso $20

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

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

  • Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
  • War and Peace Museum - Tour: $24
  • Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $69
  • From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V): $77
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $90
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $100
  • Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $100
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108

Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso

Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Tour
    $4.50

Tours and Activities in Valparaiso

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

  • Tour in Street Art, funiculars and port: $25
  • Valparaiso Highlights Walking Tour with A Guide: $29
  • Valparaiso : Private Custom Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $35
  • Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Cultural Tour of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $40
  • Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Valparaiso in Depth : Walking Tour Exclusive: $40
  • Walking Tour Valparaiso, History & Art - Private Optional: $41
  • Explore Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Tour: $58
  • Valpo in 1 day: Authentic + Famous! Semi-private walking tour & public transport: $80
  • Pre or Post Valparaiso Cruise with Santiago City Tour and optional Vineyard: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Valparaiso $8.36

Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • A Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour Service from Casablanca: $75
  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaiso: $273
  • Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $320


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Valparaiso, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Valparaiso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Akureyri is in Europe and Valparaiso is in South America, 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 Valparaiso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Valparaiso Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Valparaiso?

Valparaiso has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Valparaiso, 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.