Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Helsinki?
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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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: Helsinki or Akureyri?
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and dates back to 1550. Helsinki is an international metropolis with a diverse population, but also a small town vibe. The city itself has a population of just over 600,000 but the metropolitan area, including Espoo and Vantaa, has a population of more than 1.3 million. There are many outdoor bars and cafes that take advantage of the warmer summer months. During this time there are long days, and the population floods into the street after a long and cold winter, so visiting during the summer is a fun and lively experience.
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 10-Day Tours in Finland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Finland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Helsinki Prices
Finland PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHelsinki €164Akureyri €162
The average daily cost (per person) in Helsinki is €164, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is €162. 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 Helsinki and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHelsinki €73Akureyri €88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHelsinki €146Akureyri €176
Compare Hotels in Helsinki and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Helsinki 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: Helsinki Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Helsinki €22Akureyri €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Helsinki
Also for Helsinki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $105
- Airport Transfer: Helsinki Airport HEL to Helsinki by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Airport HEL by Business Car: $105
- Airport Transfer: Helsinki to Helsinki Airport HEL by Luxury Van: $112
- Arrival Transfer: Airport HEL to Helsinki by Business Car: $105
- Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers: $237
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Helsinki Terminal - Round-Trip Transfer: $137
- Helsinki City Private Departure Transfer to Helsinki Airport HEL: $66
- Helsinki Private Airport transfer with 1-Hour City Highlights: $115
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 Helsinki or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Helsinki 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 dayHelsinki €59Akureyri €60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Helsinki Authentic Walking Food Tour with 8 Local Tastings: $121
- From Moose & Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $172
- FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki: $176
- Stones & Slices: Raasepori Castle Ruins, Ekenäs Old Town & Pizza: $236
- Helsinki Food Tour: A Culinary Experience with a Local: $271
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Helsinki €27Akureyri €16
Tours and Activities in Helsinki
For Helsinki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Helsinki Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.62
- Helsinki Historic Downtown Self Guided Walking Audio Tour: $7.19
- A Self-Guided Tour of Helsinki's Oodi Central Library: $9.99
- Helsinki Christmas Lights Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights: $12
- A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki: $24
- Discover Helsinki City Walk - Multiple Tours Daily: $24
- Suomenlinna Ferry and Guided Walking Tour in the Fortress: $31
- Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki: $33
- Helsinki City Highlights Cruise: $34
- Helsinki Canal Cruise: $34
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHelsinki €16Akureyri €12
When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki and Akureyri, we can see that Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Akureyri?
Helsinki has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Helsinki is generally a little warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 17°C (62°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 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 JulyHelsinki 17°C (62°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Akureyri. The autumn months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. Helsinki is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 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 OctoberHelsinki 6°C (42°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Akureyri. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. It's quite cold in Helsinki in the winter. In the winter, Helsinki is much colder than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Helsinki in January average around -6°C (21°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).
In the winter, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.
Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Akureyri. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JanuaryHelsinki -6°C (21°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Helsinki or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Helsinki for the natural beauty.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Helsinki. In April, Helsinki is generally a little warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around 3°C (37°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 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 AprilHelsinki 3°C (37°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Helsinki
| Helsinki | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (21°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (27°F) | 34 mm (1.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (60°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (26°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.