Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Izmir?
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 Izmir or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Akureyri. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Izmir or Akureyri?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $86Akureyri $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $86, 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 Izmir and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $43Akureyri $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $86Akureyri $204
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $21Akureyri $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $247
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $66
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $91
- Ayvalık to Izmir Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $112
- Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $112
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
- Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Vito or Minibus ( Meet Transfer): $45
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $159
- Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $112
- Dalaman Airport - Marmaris - Fethiye Meet Transfer: $48
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: $29
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $93
- Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $163
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $30Akureyri $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $90
- Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $294
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $14Akureyri $18
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
- Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
- Experience Tasting Seferihisar and Urla Wines: $56
- Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
- Ephesus Tour: $65
- Full Day Marmaris Pirate Boat Tour with Lunch: $65
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $71
- Pamukkale Tour from Izmir to Hierapolis and Travertines: $76
- PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $79
- From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
- Izmir City Tour: $84
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: $23
- Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $69
- From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V): $76
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
- Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Húsavík Whale Watching Tour with Heated Indoor Seating: $100
- Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $100
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour: $100
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $6.26Akureyri $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $276
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Akureyri?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Izmir in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Izmir is much warmer than Akureyri in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 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 JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions during these months.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the autumn, Izmir is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Akureyri averages at about 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Akureyri. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 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 OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Akureyri. The winter months attract visitors to Izmir because of the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In January, Izmir is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.
Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 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 JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Akureyri. The activities around the city are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Izmir is much warmer than Akureyri in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 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 AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Izmir
| Izmir | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.