Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Sapporo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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: Sapporo or Akureyri?
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
-
Sapporo Prices
Japan PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySapporo $121Akureyri $185
The average daily cost (per person) in Sapporo is $121, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $185. 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 Sapporo and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSapporo $60Akureyri $100
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSapporo $120Akureyri $200
Compare Hotels in Sapporo and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Sapporo 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: Sapporo Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sapporo $15Akureyri $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport: Private One-Way Transfer: $158
- CTS New Chitose Airport To/From Sappro Private Transfer: $247
- Horseback-Riding in a Country Side in Sapporo - Private Transfer is Included: $207
- New Chitose Airport(CTS): Private Transfer to/from Niseko/Sapporo: $90
- Private Airport Transfer: Sapporo City→ New Chitose Airport (CTS): $150
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- Sapporo to CTS New Chitose Airport Private Transfer: $159
- Sapporo to Chitose Airport Private Transfer | Licensed Driver: $272
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
- Shared Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to Shin Chitose Airport: $104
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
- [Airport Transfer] Smoothly move between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport with a private car! one way: $209
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $161
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $115
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $31
- Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $31
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Sapporo or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Sapporo 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 daySapporo $49Akureyri $69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Izakaya & Street Food Tour (10+ Dishes, Drinks Included): $101
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $103
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Chef Shiori: $108
- Sapporo Local Food Tour Dine Like a Local in the Evening Glow: $152
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sapporo $16Akureyri $18
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $4.33
- Historical Village of Hokkaido Entry Ticket: $6.76
- Sapporo TV Tower Admission Ticket: $6.76
- Sapporo Cape Kamui Fruit Picking Seafood bowl Otaru Tour: $25
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Guided Walking Tour: $30
- Chopsticks Making Experience in Sapporo: $41
- Sapporo Highlights: Golden Route Morning Walking Tour: $42
- Hokkaido Shrine Tour with Rituals, History & Sweets: $43
- Tour of the Historic Red Brick Government Office: $50
- Hokkaido Shrine Tour with Rituals, History & Sweets: $51
- Popular in SapporoExperience authentic hand-made soba at a real soba shop!: $56
- [Late Departure] Biei Best 5 Must-Visit Day Tour from Sapporo: $56
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 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: $154
- 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: $162
- Akureyri Private Tour Godafoss Myvatn Grjotagja Hverir Viti: $253
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySapporo $7.58Akureyri $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sapporo and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Sapporo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sapporo is in Asia and Akureyri is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sapporo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sapporo 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 Sapporo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sapporo Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sapporo or Akureyri?
Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Sapporo 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo or Akureyri in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sapporo as well as Akureyri. Most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Sapporo is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sapporo in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Akureyri averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the summer, Sapporo often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Sapporo gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.
Sapporo usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Sapporo gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySapporo 21°C (69°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sapporo or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Sapporo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. In October, Sapporo is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Sapporo average around 11°C (52°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Sapporo usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Sapporo gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Sapporo. In October, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Sapporo gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSapporo 11°C (52°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Sapporo or Akureyri in the Winter?
Both Akureyri and Sapporo during the winter are popular places to visit. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. Sapporo is much colder than Akureyri in the winter. The daily temperature in Sapporo averages around -5°C (24°F) in January, and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
In the winter, Sapporo often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Sapporo gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. Sapporo usually gets more rain in January than Akureyri. Sapporo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySapporo -5°C (24°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Sapporo or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sapporo and Akureyri. Many travelers come to Sapporo for the activities around the city.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Sapporo is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sapporo in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Akureyri averages at about 2°C (36°F).
Sapporo usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Sapporo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sapporo usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Sapporo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSapporo 7°C (44°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Sapporo
| Sapporo | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.