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

Should you visit Faro or Akureyri?

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

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

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

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 in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Faro?

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 Faro is €160, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is €163. 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 Faro and Akureyri in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Akureyri 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Akureyri 178
Compare Hotels in Faro and Akureyri

Looking for a hotel in Faro 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 Faro


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Akureyri 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Albufeira Airport Transfers: $59
  • Algarve Private Transfers: $55
  • Algarve to Lisbon Private Transfer Up to 4 Stops: $212
  • Algarve to Seville Private Transfer Up To 4 Stops: $295
  • Dolphin Observation - transfer included: $58
  • Eco and Premium Transfer : Faro Airport to Algarve: $81
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer to Alvor and Lagos: $112
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer to or from Vilamoura or Albufeira: $50
  • Faro Airport Transfer Alvor Portimao Praia Rocha Ferragudo +: $94
  • Faro Airport: Comfortable bus transfer to/from Lagos: $19
  • Faro FAO Airport Private Transfer to/frm Faro/Albufeira/Quarteira: $13
  • Faro airport - Albufeira: Private Return Transfer: $113

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Akureyri?

Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Faro 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
    Faro 62
    Akureyri 61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • Olhão Fish Market & Food Tour: $111
  • Faro Food Tour & Drinks and City highlights 10 Tastings: $117
  • Algarve Private Wine and Food Tour From Faro: $212

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Akureyri 16

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Algarve Uncovered: Coast, Culture, and Villages Tour: $1.16
  • Faro Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $4.14
  • Romantic Whisper of Love Exploration Game and Tour: $5.00
  • Tavira Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.20
  • Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye - Admission Ticket: $7.08
  • Olhao Self Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $12
  • Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $21
  • Islands Tour: Half Day Cruise in Ria Formosa Natural Park: $29
  • Short Nature Tour in Ria Formosa Natural Park: $29
  • Nature Catamaran Tour from Faro: $29
  • Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro: $29
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $33

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 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: $157
  • 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 Tour Godafoss Myvatn Grjotagja Hverir Viti: $257
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169
  • 3-Day Northern Lights, Whales, & Lagoon Tour: $533

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Akureyri 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Tour & Wine tasting - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $24
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $29
  • Algarve Wine Tasting - Curated Wines & Pairings (Faro): $53
  • Tavira Tuk Tuk Tour: Historic Center & Wine Tasting: $99
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting& Tapas in the heart of Faro: $116


When comparing the travel costs between Faro 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Akureyri?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Akureyri in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Faro as well as Akureyri. The summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Faro is much warmer than Akureyri in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Akureyri. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Faro or Akureyri in the Autumn?

Both Akureyri and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the autumn, Faro is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Akureyri averages at about 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Faro or Akureyri in the Winter?

Both Akureyri and Faro during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Faro is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Akureyri. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Faro or Akureyri in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Akureyri. Many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches.

Akureyri can be very cold during spring. Faro is much warmer than Akureyri in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Akureyri and Faro

Faro Akureyri
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)