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

Should you visit Turku or Akureyri?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku 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: Turku or Akureyri?

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

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


Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Turku?

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 Turku is €159, 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 Turku and Akureyri in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Turku 76
    Akureyri 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Turku 152
    Akureyri 176
Compare Hotels in Turku and Akureyri

Looking for a hotel in Turku 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 Turku


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: Turku Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Turku 44
    Akureyri 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku

Also for Turku, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $95
  • Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $163
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $93
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to 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 Turku or Akureyri?

Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Turku 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
    Turku 56
    Akureyri 60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Turku 22
    Akureyri 16

Tours and Activities in Turku

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

  • Järvelä Sauna Experience in the Turku Archipelago: $19
  • Experience Turku with a local guide: $282

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: $164
  • 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 Port: Small Group Godafoss and Laufas Turf House Tour: $133
  • Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $169

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Turku 12
    Akureyri 12


When comparing the travel costs between Turku 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Turku or Akureyri?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku 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 Turku or Akureyri in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Turku as well as Akureyri.

In July, Turku is generally a little warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 16°C (61°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Turku this time of the year. In the summer, Turku often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Turku 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 July
    Turku 16°C (61°F) 
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Turku or Akureyri in the Autumn?

Both Akureyri and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Turku is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Turku usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Turku usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Turku or Akureyri in the Winter?

Both Akureyri and Turku during the winter are popular places to visit.

Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Turku. In the winter, Turku is much colder than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Turku in January average around -6°C (20°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Turku often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets less rain in January than Akureyri. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Turku -6°C (20°F) 
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Turku or Akureyri in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Akureyri.

Akureyri can be very cold during spring. Turku can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Turku is generally a little warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 3°C (37°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Turku usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Turku usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Turku 3°C (37°F) 
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Akureyri and Turku

Turku Akureyri
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -7°C (20°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 10°C (51°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)