Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Istanbul?
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 Istanbul or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul 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: Istanbul or Akureyri?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $154Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $154, 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 Istanbul and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $71Akureyri $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $142Akureyri $208
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $33Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Airport Transfer Hotel Transfer Istanbul Transfer: $63
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Luxury Van: $74
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW by Business Car: $70
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW by Luxury Van: $72
- Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Business Car: $68
- Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul by Luxury Van: $72
- Arrival Private Transfer from New Airport IST to Istanbul City in Van: $73
- Arrival Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Business Car: $70
- Best Airport Transfer Company Istanbul Meet Transfer: $53
- Best Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $60
- City Center to Istanbul Airport (IST) Departure Transfers: $83
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Istanbul Airport Transfer: $83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $30
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $57Akureyri $71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Food Tour 30 Tasting Stops with Audio Maps Written Guide: $8.00
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $26
- Bosphorus Night Cruise: Dinner, Drinks & Hotel Pickup: $30
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Shows and Drinks: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Show with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Luxury Bosphorus View Tavern Dinner & Belly Dance Show: $30
- İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $31
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $32
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $37Akureyri $19
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Istanbul Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.35
- Istanbul Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.56
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: Hidden Stories & Secret Places: $5.00
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Istanbul with Audio Guide: $5.96
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $6.13
- Istanbul Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.41
- Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul: $7.15
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Balat&Asia: $8.00
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Old City: $8.00
- Istanbul Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and Walking Tour: $8.33
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide: $8.34
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: $86
- Whale Watching and Puffin Tour from Hauganes: $90
- Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $91
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $107
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $10Akureyri $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $213
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Akureyri?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 670 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Akureyri in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Akureyri. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Istanbul is much warmer than Akureyri in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 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 JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Akureyri. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the autumn, Istanbul is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Akureyri averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Akureyri. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 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 OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Akureyri in the Winter?
Both Akureyri and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 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 JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Akureyri can be very cold during spring. Istanbul is much warmer than Akureyri in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 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 AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.