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

Should you visit Akureyri or York?

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

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

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.

York

York, in North Yorkshire, England, is a city rich in history that dates back to before Roman times. It is an ancient cathedral city that still has some impressive historical buildings that make it easily worth a visit. It has some of the best preserved buildings and structures in all of Europe, so if you're a history buff, then this is the place to be. It is usually tied with Manchester as the second most visited city in England, after London.

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


Which place is cheaper, York 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 York is $132. 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 York in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $89
    York $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $178
    York $146
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and York

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or York? 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 York


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 York Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $20
    York $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or York?

Prices for flights to both York 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
    York $40

Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

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

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $16
    York $14

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

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

  • Geothermal Sea-baths admission ticket: $47
  • Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $71
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $80
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $80
  • Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $83
  • Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík: $86
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $89
  • Zipline Tour: $90
  • Waterfall Godafoss Tour: $91
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $92
  • The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland: $93
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $94

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • York Guide - Everybody Hates a Tourist: $6.35
  • Tower Tour: $7.63
  • Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • York Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private York Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • York Cocoa Works Guided Tour and Tasting: $12
  • Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York: $13
  • York Bird of Prey Centre Entry Ticket: $14
  • City Chronicles Historical Walking Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $13
    York $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in York

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


  • A Couple Beers
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57


When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and York, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or York?

York has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and York, 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 York?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Akureyri or York in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and York. Furthermore, most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Akureyri is cooler than York in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and York fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than York during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 196 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than York. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while York receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    York 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or York in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as York. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene.

Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than York. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and York averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than York. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 112 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets more rain in October than York. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    York 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or York in the Winter?

Both York and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year.

It's quite cold in York in the winter. The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than York. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and York fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than York during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while York receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives more rain than York. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while York receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    York 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or York in the Spring?

Both York and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. Akureyri is much colder than York in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and York fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than York. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while York receives 151 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than York. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while York receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    York 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for York and Akureyri

Akureyri York
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)