Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Beijing?
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 Beijing or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Akureyri can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Beijing or Akureyri?
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Beijing Prices
China PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $96Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $96, 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 Beijing and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $42Akureyri $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $84Akureyri $208
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Beijing 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: Beijing Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $8.28Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$5.06
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Train from Airport for Two$7.41
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Taxi to Hotel$8.89
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2 Metro Passes$2.37
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Metro$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $80
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $105
- Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing: $112
- Badaling Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Guide/Transfer Service: $9.50
- Badaling Great Wall Ticket, Transfer & Guide Service: $10
- Beijing Acrobatic Show in Red Theater with Guide and Transfer: $59
- Beijing Acrobatics Show And Peking Opera Tour With Transfer: $299
- Beijing Airport (PEK) to Mutianyu Great Wall Round Trip Transfers: $189
- Beijing Airport Private Transfer with English-Speaking Driver: $33
- Beijing Airport Transfer: $21
- Beijing Airport Transfer 24H Flight Tracking and English Driver: $29
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: $30
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Beijing 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 dayBeijing $36Akureyri $71
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.89
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.41
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.96
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Watermelon$2.07
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$18
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Two Popsicles$0.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $25
- Beijing Food Tour: $40
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- Experience Beijing Walking Food Tour Private: $55
- Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
- Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour - Pro Photos Included: $71
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $72
- Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $26Akureyri $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.89
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Two Opera Tickets$63
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$10
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Forbidden City (for 2)$18
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Forbidden City Tickets$18
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$12
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Entrance Tickets: Coal Hill Park, Beihai Park & Drum-Bell Towers: $2.50
- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Tickets & Tours: $2.70
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $2.90
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Forbidden City/ Palace Museum & Tiananmen Sq. Ticket Booking: $2.99
- Tian'amen Square & Forbidden City Tickets or Guided Group Tour: $3.00
- Forbidden City/Palace Museum and Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $3.00
- Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
- Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
- Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
- Private Combo Tour: Capital Museum & Classic Historical Landmarks: $3.80
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
- Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
- Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $91
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Whale Watching from Akureyri Small Group Boat Tour Hjalteyri: $99
- Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik: $104
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $12Akureyri $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia 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 Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Beijing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Akureyri?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 450 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Beijing 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 Beijing or Akureyri?
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 Beijing or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Beijing is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Akureyri averages at about 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeijing 27°C (80°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. In October, Beijing is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Akureyri. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeijing 14°C (56°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Akureyri. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. Beijing is much colder than Akureyri in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeijing -4°C (26°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Akureyri. Many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Beijing is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Akureyri averages at about 2°C (36°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Akureyri. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeijing 14°C (57°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Beijing
| Beijing | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.