Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Melbourne?
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 Melbourne or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Melbourne or Akureyri? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Melbourne or Akureyri?
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Melbourne Prices
Australia PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMelbourne $208Akureyri $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Melbourne is $208, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $190. 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 Melbourne and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMelbourne $127Akureyri $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMelbourne $254Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Melbourne and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Melbourne 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: Melbourne Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Melbourne $21Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
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Airport Bus$11
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Tram Ride$2.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers: $152
- Airport Transfers & Day Tours in a Chauffeur-Driven Luxury Van: $135
- Arrival Transfer Melbourne Airport MEL to Melbourne in Sedan: $120
- Arrival Transfer from Melbourne Airport MEL to Melbourne in Van: $170
- Ballarat - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $191
- CBD to Melbourne Airport Private Transfer - 11 traveler's: $129
- Departure Transfer from Melbourne to Melbourne Airport MEL in Van: $170
- Luxury Airport Transfers & Private Car Services in Melbourne: $108
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer Melbourne: $110
- Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
- Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $172
- Melbourne Airport Arrival Or Departure Luxury Car Transfers: $117
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
- 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 Melbourne or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Melbourne 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 dayMelbourne $56Akureyri $71
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.79
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Pizza$4.88
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Melbourne Flavors: Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $40
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
- Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes: $54
- Inner North Street Food Tour: $72
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
- Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $85
- Street Food Tour in Melbourne's Inner North: $89
- Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $91
- Best of Little Italy Dinner Tour: $92
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $99
- Melbourne Flavours Queen Victoria Market Food Tour: $107
- Secret Food Tour: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Melbourne $29Akureyri $18
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self Guided Tour of Melbourne's Best Kept Secrets: $1.12
- Melbourne Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Walking Tour: $3.42
- Melbourne Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $3.56
- Melbourne St Kilda Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
- Melbourne Vampire Quest: Self-Guided Gothic Adventure: $7.20
- Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $9.92
- Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $9.92
- Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $9.92
- Self Guided Walking Tour in Melbourne St Kilda Penguins: $9.99
- Rippon Lea Estate Garden Admission Ticket: $11
- Questo Self-guided Haunted Melbourne Walking Tour: $11
- Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $12
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 Northern Light Tour: $141
- 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: 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 Walking Tour: $169
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $168
- Akureyri to Lake Myvatn and Nature Baths Small Group Tour: $217
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMelbourne $18Akureyri $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
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Bottle of Wine$5.41
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $20
- Tuesday Melbourne Bar Crawl: $25
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour - Self-Guided GPS Audio Guide: $25
- Saturday Melbourne Bar Crawl: $25
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
- Melbourne Music Venue Pub Crawl with History + 2 Free Drinks: $26
- Rock'n'roll venues pub crawl including 2 free drinks and history: $57
- Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley.: $70
- Relaxed Half Day Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Melbourne: $85
- New Chocolate and wine tasting tour in the Yarra Valley: $89
- Yarra Valley Kangaroos Wine Tasting and Lunch from Melbourne: $99
- Yarra Valley: Bus Wine Tour with Lunch and a Glass of Wine: $116
When comparing the travel costs between Melbourne and Akureyri, we can see that Melbourne 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. Even though Melbourne is in Pacific and Akureyri is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Melbourne Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Akureyri?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Akureyri?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Akureyri has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Melbourne or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Melbourne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Akureyriin July. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 20°C (68°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the summer, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Akureyriin July. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.
Melbourne usually gets more rain in January than Akureyriin July. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 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 January and JulyMelbourne 20°C (68°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Melbourne or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Akureyri. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. Melbourne is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F)in October.
Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Akureyriin October. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 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 April and OctoberMelbourne 15°C (60°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Melbourne or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Akureyri. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the winter, Melbourne is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F)in January.
In the winter, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Akureyriin January. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.
Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Akureyriin January. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 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 July and JanuaryMelbourne 9°C (49°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Melbourne or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In October, Melbourne is generally much warmer than Akureyriin April. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Akureyriin April. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 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 October and AprilMelbourne 14°C (57°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Melbourne
| Melbourne | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.