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

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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: Copenhagen or Akureyri?

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.

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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Copenhagen?

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 Copenhagen is $276, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $189. 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 Copenhagen and Akureyri in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $98
    Akureyri $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $196
    Akureyri $204
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Akureyri

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen


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: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $78
    Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

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


  • Bicycle Renting
    $67

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

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

  • Airport Transfers –Taxi Service – Limousine service: $127
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen - Arrival Private Transfer: $127
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $253
  • Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $127
  • Copenhagen Airport Transfer Service | English Speaking: $135
  • Copenhagen Airport Transfers City Transfers and Disposal Services: $53
  • Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer: $122
  • Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $244
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen City - Arrival Private Transfer: $122
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $118
  • Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE) to Copenhagen Port- RoundTrip Private Transfer: $237

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $163
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $93
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • 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 Copenhagen or Akureyri?

Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Copenhagen 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
    Copenhagen $115
    Akureyri $70
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

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


  • Hot Dogs
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $41
  • Copenhagen : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $104
  • Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $106
  • Copenhagen Culinary Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Danish Classics: $141
  • Modern City Food Tour: $149
  • Original Copenhagen food tour: 8 tastings, full meal & VIP access: $150
  • NEW! Eating Copenhagen Food Tour: More than Smørrebrød: $159
  • E-Bike Guided Food Tour with 3 stops: $188
  • Copenhagen Private Culinary Food Tour with 6 Tastings of Classics: $231

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $34
    Akureyri $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

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


  • Boat Tour
    $9.36
  • Coffee
    $15

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

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

  • Copenhagen Zoo Tower Entry Ticket: $3.92
  • Hippies & Christianshavn Tip-Based Walking Tour: $5.90
  • Luggage Pickup for Cruise travelers: $6.98
  • Copenhagen Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $7.09
  • Copenhagen Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h30 and 29 reviews: $7.17
  • Castle Island’s Royal History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Slotsholmen: $7.99
  • Monstour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Danish Folk Legends: $7.99
  • Copenhagen Christiania: Hidden Stories Self-Guided Adventure: $8.27
  • Copenhagen Self-Guided Tour: $8.29
  • Copenhagen's Royal History: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.99
  • Copenhagen Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.46
  • The Philosopher's Last Walk: An audio tour on the life of Søren Kierkegaard: $9.99

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

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

  • Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $164
  • Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour: $180
  • 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: Hot Godafoss Waterfall Tour & The Forest Lagoon: $156
  • 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 Port: Small Group Godafoss and Laufas Turf House Tour: $133
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $15
    Akureyri $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

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

  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $47
  • Vejrhøj Arch Hike with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $251


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Akureyri, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Akureyri much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Akureyri would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Akureyri 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen than you might in Akureyri.

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


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Akureyri?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Akureyri?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Akureyri in the Summer?

Both Akureyri and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Copenhagen is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F) 
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Akureyri in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Akureyri. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen 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. Copenhagen is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Akureyri. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Akureyri in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Akureyri. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In the winter, Copenhagen is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Akureyri. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Akureyri in the Spring?

Both Akureyri and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Copenhagen is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Akureyri and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Akureyri
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)