Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tokyo 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: Tokyo or Akureyri?
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
-
Tokyo Prices
Japan PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTokyo $174Akureyri $185
The average daily cost (per person) in Tokyo is $174, 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 Tokyo and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTokyo $73Akureyri $100
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTokyo $146Akureyri $200
Compare Hotels in Tokyo and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tokyo $17Akureyri $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- (HND) Haneda Airport Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $95
- Accessible Haneda Airport Transfer with English-speaking Driver: $158
- Airport Shuttle Arrival Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Tokyo City: $60
- Airport Transfer: Haneda Airport and Tokyo 23 wards: $135
- Arrival Private Transfer: Haneda Airport HND to Tokyo in Sedan: $281
- Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Haneda Airport: $108
- Center Tokyo Private One Way Transfer To Narita Airport (License): $133
- DECKS Tokyo Beach & Odaiba 1 Way Door to Door Shared Transfer: $51
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $281
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $180
- Departure Transfer: Tokyo to Narita Airport NRT by Sedan Car: $247
- Disney/Universal Studio/Harry Potter Warner Bros Transfer One way: $124
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 Tokyo or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Tokyo 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 dayTokyo $61Akureyri $69
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
-
Late Night Noodles$4.96
-
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$4.96
-
Meal at Airport$6.47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market: Traditional Culture & Street Food Tour: $19
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $19
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $22
- Asakusa: Senso-ji Sightseeing & Street Food Tour with Photos: $28
- Shinjuku 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $28
- Shibuya 7-Dishes vegetarian dinner at a Japanese izakaya: $28
- Shinjuku Chef‐Led Night Food Tour — What Guides Don’t Show: $28
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $32
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour: $32
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $38
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Private Yanaka District Walking & Food Tour: $44
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tokyo $65Akureyri $18
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.16
- Tokyo Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Tsukiji Market Early Morning Tour: $6.32
- Shinjuku Kabukicho Night Walking Tour: $6.32
- Tokyo Walking Tour 2h15 and 19 audio reviews: $6.73
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- TOKYO Audio Guide Tour in The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace: $7.59
- Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Admission Ticket + Special Exhibition (when being held): $7.59
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Tokyo: $8.11
- Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
- Hidden Yanaka & Nezu: Authentic Old Tokyo Escape – Walking Tour: $9.49
- Tokyo / Shibuya / Yokohama Tours! Choose, Explore and Enjoy!: $10
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 dayTokyo $31Akureyri $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
-
Sake$3.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Nightlife Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional: $88
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $89
- Tokyo Shinjuku Gay Bar Crawl with Drinks: $90
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods-: $101
- Shinjuku Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local foods-: $101
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $108
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo: $120
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $130
- Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $158
When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri 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 Tokyo is in Asia 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Akureyri?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Akureyri in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Akureyri. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Tokyo is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tokyo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Akureyri averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Akureyri. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTokyo 26°C (78°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In October, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 18°C (64°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTokyo 18°C (64°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Akureyri in the Winter?
Both Akureyri and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Tokyo is much warmer than Akureyri in the winter. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.
Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Akureyri. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTokyo 5°C (42°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Tokyo or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Akureyri. The spring months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In the spring, Tokyo is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tokyo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Akureyri averages at about 2°C (36°F).
Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.
Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTokyo 14°C (58°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Tokyo
| Tokyo | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.