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

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.


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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $170, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $191. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auckland $99
    Akureyri $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auckland $198
    Akureyri $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.

Hotels in Auckland


Hotels in Akureyri


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auckland $17
    Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.47
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Auckland Airport Private Transfer: $81
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cruise Ship Terminal : $120
  • Airport Transfer: Auckland to Airport AKL by Business Car: $90
  • Airport Transfer: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL by Luxury Car: $152
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland in Business Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Car: $115
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by Luxury Van: $115
  • Arrival Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland Central City Centre: $25
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland - Arrival Private Transfer: $83
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to North Shore-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $221
  • Auckland Airport Arrival Transfer (Individuals and Groups): $109
  • Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Auckland $46
    Akureyri $71
Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.73

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: $102
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auckland $27
    Akureyri $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $119

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
  • Explore Self Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
  • Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
  • Gallery Highlights Tour and General Admission: $22
  • Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
  • Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
  • Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
  • Scenic Harbour Cruise in Auckland : $27

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auckland $13
    Akureyri $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

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

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
  • Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301


When comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Akureyri, 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. Even though Auckland is in Pacific and Akureyri is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Auckland 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Auckland 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Auckland 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Auckland 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)