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

Should you visit Tartu 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 Tartu 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: Tartu or Akureyri?

Tartu

Tartu is a university town that is also the second largest city in Estonia. It has a population of about 100,000 and dates back to 1030, making it the oldest city in the country. The Emajogi River passes through town and it has a lovely old town that's pleasant to explore. The city is a great place to see day to day life in Estonia. It is a very real town with people going about their daily lives. If you find yourself here when the weather is nice, you'll be greeted by crowds of happy locals out enjoying the weather. They make full use of the warm, sunny weather with festivals, events, and concerts during the summer. This is easily the most fun and eventful time to visit the city.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Tartu?

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 Tartu is €132, 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 Tartu and Akureyri in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Akureyri 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Akureyri 176
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Akureyri

Looking for a hotel in Tartu 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 Tartu


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: Tartu Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Akureyri 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Akureyri?

Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Tartu 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
    Tartu 65
    Akureyri 60
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Akureyri 16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $29
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141
  • Private Horse-Drawn Sleigh Adventures: $212
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $257
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
  • Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $165
  • Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour: $180
  • Akureyri Northern Light Tour: $139
  • 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: $157
  • 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: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Akureyri 12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Akureyri?

Tartu has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu 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 Tartu or Akureyri in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Akureyri. Most visitors come to Tartu for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Tartu is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Akureyri averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tartu this time of the year. In the summer, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Akureyri in the Autumn?

Both Akureyri and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. In October, Tartu is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Akureyri in the Winter?

Both Akureyri and Tartu during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Akureyri in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Akureyri. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Akureyri in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Akureyri. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. In the spring, Tartu is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Akureyri averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Akureyri and Tartu

Tartu Akureyri
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)