Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Seoul?
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 Seoul or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Akureyri can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Seoul or Akureyri?
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Seoul Prices
South Korea PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySeoul $117Akureyri $185
The average daily cost (per person) in Seoul is $117, 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 Seoul and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSeoul $49Akureyri $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSeoul $98Akureyri $200
Compare Hotels in Seoul and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Seoul 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: Seoul Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Seoul $14Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.28
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Short Taxi Ride$4.59
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Metro Ride$0.88
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Seoul City Pass Plus$6.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
- Incheon Airport (ICN) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $68
- Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
- Lotte World 1Day Pass+Obesrvatoy+Private round transfer(Seoul): $115
- Lotte World Theme Park Private Transfer: $213
- Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport Seoul (1-5 people): $90
- Private Airport Transfer - Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul (Up to 7 or 11 people): $130
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $89
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
- Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $31
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $31
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
- Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $115
- 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: $161
Is it cheaper to fly into Seoul or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Seoul 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 daySeoul $47Akureyri $69
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$3.93
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Waffle$0.66
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Dippin' Dots$1.31
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.60
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Chicken Stick$1.31
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.24
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Lunch Buffet$3.93
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Donut$0.66
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Mushroom Burger$3.41
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.16
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Udon & Sushi$4.59
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Fresh Burger$3.14
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Soba Noodles Lunch$2.95
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.28
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Fried Rice$3.60
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.22
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.22
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Donut$1.64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $58
- Dinner at a Local's Hanok & Seoul's Night Life: $60
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Explore Seoul's Flavors on Group Cooking Class Adventure: $63
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
- Korea Cooking Class with 3 stars Michelin Chef & Content creators: $66
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Seoul $24Akureyri $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.24
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Movie Ticket$5.24
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Kimchi Museum$1.97
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Seoul Walking Tour 3h30 and 19 audio reviews: $6.64
- Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Rabbithole Drag Show Entry Ticket: $9.97
- Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
- K-Beauty Scalp Spa Experience in Hongdae: $13
- Insadong Running Man Themed Activity Experience Center: $13
- bukchon Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
- Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
- Changdeokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
- Jamsil: Seoul Eland Han River Cruise: $15
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): $75
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
- Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $84
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $89
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $99
- Boat Tours from Siglufjörður: $99
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySeoul $11Akureyri $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Beyond Makgeolli: A Hidden Brewery Experience in Seoul: $9.30
- Seoul Pub Crawl by Absolute: $20
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $41
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Seoul and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul 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 Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Seoul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Seoul Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Seoul or Akureyri?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 620 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Seoul 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 Seoul 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 Seoul or Akureyri in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Akureyri. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
In July, Seoul is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 26°C (78°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Seoul usually receives less sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
Seoul gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Seoul usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 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 JulySeoul 26°C (78°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Akureyri. Many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. Seoul is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In the autumn, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets less rain in October than Akureyri. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 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 OctoberSeoul 15°C (59°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Akureyri in the Winter?
Both Akureyri and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Akureyri can be very cold during winter. Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Seoul is cooler than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Seoul in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).
Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Seoul usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 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 JanuarySeoul -3°C (27°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Seoul or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Seoul during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In April, Seoul is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 13°C (55°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
It's quite sunny in Seoul. In the spring, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
Seoul usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 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 AprilSeoul 13°C (55°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Seoul
| Seoul | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.