Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Sendai?
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 Sendai or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai 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: Sendai or Akureyri?
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
-
Sendai Prices
Japan PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySendai $125Akureyri $188
The average daily cost (per person) in Sendai is $125, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $188. 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 Sendai and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSendai $58Akureyri $102
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSendai $116Akureyri $204
Compare Hotels in Sendai and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Sendai 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: Sendai Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sendai $17Akureyri $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $101
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
- Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $116
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
- 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
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Sendai or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Sendai 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 daySendai $55Akureyri $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $127
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sendai $18Akureyri $18
Tours and Activities in Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $23
- Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
- Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
- Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $143
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: $156
- 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 Tour Godafoss Myvatn Grjotagja Hverir Viti: $257
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169
- Akureyri to Lake Myvatn and Nature Baths Small Group Tour: $215
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySendai $10Akureyri $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sendai and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Sendai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sendai 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 Sendai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sendai 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 Sendai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sendai Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sendai or Akureyri?
Sendai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Sendai 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 Sendai 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 Sendai or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Sendai during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Sendai is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 23°C (73°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the summer, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Akureyri. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulySendai 23°C (73°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sendai or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and Akureyri. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Sendai is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Sendai usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sendai usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSendai 15°C (59°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Sendai or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Akureyri. Many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. In the winter, Sendai is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sendai in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).
In the winter, Sendai often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.
Sendai usually gets less rain in January than Akureyri. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySendai 2°C (35°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Sendai or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Sendai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In April, Sendai is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 10°C (51°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Sendai usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sendai usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilSendai 10°C (51°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Sendai
| Sendai | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.