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

Should you visit Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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: Kaunas or Akureyri?

Kaunas

Kaunas is the second biggest city in Lithuania, located at the country's center. It is a city of medieval history as well as modern entertainment with castle ruins, churches, and cathedrals, as well as galleries, museums, theatres, and outdoor recreation.

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 Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Kaunas?

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 Kaunas is €117, 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 Kaunas and Akureyri in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kaunas 42
    Akureyri 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kaunas 84
    Akureyri 176
Compare Hotels in Kaunas and Akureyri

Looking for a hotel in Kaunas 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 Kaunas


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: Kaunas Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kaunas 15
    Akureyri 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kaunas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kaunas:

  • CO2-Offset Departure Transfer Kaunas City to Kaunas Airport KUN: $70
  • CO2-Offset Private Transfer from Kaunas to Kaunas Airport KUN: $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $117
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $164

Is it cheaper to fly into Kaunas or Akureyri?

Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Kaunas 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
    Kaunas 58
    Akureyri 60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kaunas 18
    Akureyri 16

Tours and Activities in Kaunas

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kaunas are as follows:

  • Best of A Modernism and Medieval History Self Guided tour: $15
  • Self-Guided Secrets of Kaunas Exploration Game Tour: $24
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $54
  • Kaunas Old Town tour + IX Fort Museum (BONUS): $59
  • 1 day Self-Guided Bike Tour with Train Tickets: $69
  • Recreational Tour in Kaunas - The City of Freedom: $70
  • Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Kaunas: $83
  • Tours in Kaunas Old Town: $100
  • Kaunas : Sightseeing Walking Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $117
  • Kaunas, Lithuania 2-Hour Sightseeing Tour: $176
  • Private Vilnius and Trakai Island Castle Tour from Kaunas: $259
  • Tour from Kaunas to Riga via The Hill of Crosses, Rundale, Bauska: $259

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
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $90
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $100
  • Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $100
  • 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kaunas 15
    Akureyri 12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kaunas and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Kaunas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kaunas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kaunas 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 Kaunas.

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


Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Akureyri?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Akureyri in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Akureyri. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kaunas is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kaunas in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Akureyri averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Kaunas, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kaunas usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Kaunas gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kaunas 18°C (64°F) 
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Akureyri in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Akureyri. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In October, Kaunas is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around 8°C (46°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Kaunas gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Akureyri. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kaunas 8°C (46°F) 
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Akureyri in the Winter?

Both Akureyri and Kaunas are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. Kaunas is much colder than Akureyri in the winter. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Kaunas usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kaunas -5°C (23°F) 
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Kaunas or Akureyri in the Spring?

Both Akureyri and Kaunas during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the spring, Kaunas is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kaunas in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Akureyri averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kaunas 7°C (44°F) 
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Akureyri and Kaunas

Kaunas Akureyri
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 16°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)