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

Should you visit Akureyri or Zagreb?

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

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

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb is $102. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Zagreb $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Zagreb $110
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Zagreb $10

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Airport Transfer: Zagreb to Zagreb Airport ZAG by Business Car: $67
  • Airport Transfer: Zagreb to Zagreb Airport ZAG by Luxury Car: $111
  • Budapest: Private transfer to Zagreb or Zagreb to Budapest: $553
  • CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG / Zagreb City: $52
  • CO2-Offset Departure Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Airport: $73
  • CO2-Offset Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Train/Bus Station: $52
  • CO2-Offset Transfer from Zagreb Train/Bus Station to Zagreb City: $52
  • Croatia Private Airport Transfer: $94
  • From Sarajevo: 1-Way Transfer to Zagreb or opposite: $408
  • From Split: Transfer to Zagreb with Stop at Plitvice Lakes: $162
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
  • From Private Transfer to Ljubljana and Lake Bled: $1,050

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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
    Zagreb $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

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

  • Zagreb Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $83
  • Zagreb Food Tour: Local Dishes & City Stories: $93
  • Zagreb Food Tour: Bite into Traditional Dishes and Flavors: $140
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $199
  • Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $199
  • Zagreb Hike & Taste - Nature Park. Medieval castle. Local Dinner: $208

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

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
  • Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour near Akureyri: $82
  • Whale Watching Adventure in Akureyri: $84
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $85
  • Whale Watching and Puffin Tour from Hauganes: $90
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Zipline Tour: $95

Tours and Activities in Zagreb

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

  • Crobites - Zagreb's first free gastro tour: $3.50
  • Zagreb Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $5.88
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $8.17
  • Monuments to Modernism: An Audio Tour of the Zagreb Trade Fair: $8.99
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $11
  • Cravaticum - Museum of The Cravat Entry Ticket: $11
  • TOP Zagreb : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
  • Travel Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $13
  • Travel Experience Museum Ticket in Zagreb: $13
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Experience old town Zagreb: $14
  • Chocolate Museum Entry Ticket: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Zagreb $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Zagreb

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

  • Pub Crawl, 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks, & Club Entry: $34
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $35
  • Hidden Craft Distillery & Awarded Croatian Spirits Tasting: $35
  • Private Zagreb Walking Tour and Wine Tasting From Zagreb: $111
  • Japetić Viewpoint Hike & Plešivica Wine Tasting: $151
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $152
  • Hrastje Plešivičko Wine Tasting Day Trip: $175
  • WINE TASTING near Zagreb: $177
  • From Samobor Highlights & Wine Tasting in Plešivica: $193
  • The Dionysus Tour - Wine Tasting at Plešivica and Samobor visit: $218
  • Private Wine Tour from Two Local Wineries & Samobor: $282
  • From Fairytale Castle & Wine Tasting & Lunch: $292


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

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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zagreb 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 Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Zagreb. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Zagreb because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Zagreb can be very cold. Akureyri can be very cold during winter. Akureyri is much colder than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Zagreb. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Akureyri

Akureyri Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)