Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Auckland?
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 Auckland or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Akureyri can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Auckland or Akureyri?
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Auckland Prices
New Zealand PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAuckland $162Akureyri $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $162, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $190. 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 Auckland and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAuckland $94Akureyri $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAuckland $188Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Akureyri? 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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Auckland $16Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$8.99
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Airport Shuttle$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland by Sedan Car: $90
- Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Luxury Van: $129
- Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Van: $117
- Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $24
- Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $158
- Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer to North Shore or Henderson: $132
- Auckland Airport Luxury Shuttle - Private Transfers: $168
- Auckland Airport One-Way Private Transfer: Airport to CBD Hotels: $23
- Auckland Airport Private One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer: $68
- Auckland Airport Private Pickup / Transfer: $81
- Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus: $113
- Auckland Airport Taxi Transfers for Stress-Free Travel: $58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Auckland 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 dayAuckland $43Akureyri $71
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $105
- Auckland Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $113
- Auckland Downtown Food Tour with 5 Locals Favorite Dishes: $125
- Ponsonby Road Food Tour in Auckland: $137
- The Tastebud Tour, award winning food tour of Auckland: $160
- Gourmet Auckland Food Tour A Place at our Table: $247
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Auckland $26Akureyri $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$31
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$113
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland Walking Tour 1h30 and 17 audio reviews: $6.75
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- Auckland City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $15
- Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Ticket: $19
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
- Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise: $27
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 Northern Light Tour: $141
- 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: 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 Walking Tour: $169
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $168
- Akureyri to Lake Myvatn and Nature Baths Small Group Tour: $217
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAuckland $13Akureyri $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Auckland Coastal Brewery Kayak Tour: $69
- Auckland City Volcano Views and Wine Tasting: $102
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Kumeu Wineries & Hallertau Brewery Private tour: $142
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- Auckland West Coast, Wine Tasting and City Views: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $207
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Auckland Wine Tour: Local Wines, Local Food & Local Stories: $247
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Auckland much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Akureyri is in Europe, 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 Auckland would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auckland 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 Auckland.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Auckland or Akureyri?
Auckland has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Akureyri, 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 Auckland or Akureyri?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Akureyri has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Auckland or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Auckland during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
In January, Auckland is generally much warmer than Akureyriin July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Auckland. In the summer, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Akureyriin July. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.
Auckland usually gets more rain in January than Akureyriin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyAuckland 20°C (68°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Akureyri. Many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. Auckland is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F)in October.
Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Auckland usually receives more rain than Akureyriin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberAuckland 16°C (61°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Akureyri. Many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Akureyri can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Auckland is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F)in January.
In the winter, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Akureyriin January. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.
Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Auckland usually gets more rain in July than Akureyriin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAuckland 11°C (52°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Auckland or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In October, Auckland is generally much warmer than Akureyriin April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Auckland usually receives more rain than Akureyriin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilAuckland 14°C (58°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Auckland
| Auckland | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.