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

Should you visit Vilnius or Akureyri?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Akureyri. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Vilnius or Akureyri?

Vilnius

Vilnius is the capital and largest city in the country of Lithuania. It has a population of more than 500,000 residents and is located in the valley between the Neris River and the Vilnia River in the southeastern part of the country. Visitors come to the city for its beautiful Old Town, impressive architecture, and fascinating culture. In 2009 it was named the European Capital of Culture along with the city of Linz, in Austria.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Vilnius?

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 Vilnius is €117, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is €163. 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 Vilnius and Akureyri in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vilnius 41
    Akureyri 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vilnius 82
    Akureyri 178
Compare Hotels in Vilnius and Akureyri

Looking for a hotel in Vilnius 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 Vilnius


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: Vilnius Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vilnius 7.26
    Akureyri 20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vilnius

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vilnius:


  • Train to Airport
    0.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vilnius

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:

  • CO2-Offset Arrival Transfer from Vilnius VNO Airport to Vilnius: $100
  • From Private Transfer to Riga with Sightseeing: $448
  • From Suburbs Hot Air Balloon Ride w/ Hotel Transfer: $749
  • Hot air balloon flight Vilnius, Trakai with Transfer & Shampagne: $200
  • Kaunas Airport Private Transfer from Kaunas to Vilnius: $175
  • Private Vilnius Airport Arrival Transfer: $41
  • Vilnius Airport Private Transfer: $41
  • Vilnius Private 1-Way Airport Transfer: $69
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride with Hotel Transfer: $288
  • Jewish Heritage Sites Private Tour with Transfer: $230
  • Trakai Tour with Audio Guide and Minibus Transfers: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Vilnius or Akureyri?

Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Vilnius 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
    Vilnius 63
    Akureyri 61
Typical Food Prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vilnius

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.

  • Traditional Lithuanian Cooking Class with Locals: $114
  • Zeppelin Cooking Class: $116
  • Cooking Class in Vilnius: $116
  • Lithuanian Cooking Class in the city center: $176
  • Folk Show and Lithuanian Traditional Dinner: $980

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vilnius 9.57
    Akureyri 16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Vilnius

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:


  • Walking Tour
    5.79

Tours and Activities in Vilnius

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:

  • Vilnius Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.88
  • Vilnius Self-Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
  • Secrets of Old Vilnius Smartphone App GPS Audio Walking Tour: $7.50
  • History Loop with Audio and Quiz at Vilnius Self-Guided Tour: $8.22
  • Iron Wolf to Gate of Dawn Self Guided Tour of Vilnius: $8.99
  • Audio Tour of the South Part of the Vilnius Old Town: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Vilnius Old Town Core: $11
  • Audio Tour of Vilnius Old Town Core: $12
  • Live guide tour via WhatsApp - Vilnius Ghetto: $12
  • Presidential Palace Guided Tour in Vilnius: $13
  • Audio Tour of Vilnius Old Town Core and the South Part 2in1: $14
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

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: $24
  • Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $69
  • From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V): $76
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour near Akureyri: $82
  • Whale Watching Adventure in Akureyri: $84
  • Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $85
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $85
  • Whale Watching and Puffin Tour from Hauganes: $90
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vilnius 6.08
    Akureyri 13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Vilnius

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:


  • Beer
    4.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Vilnius

Also in Vilnius, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Vilnius Private Pub & Bar Crawl Tour & Hidden Gems: $61
  • Pub Crawl with Welcome Drink and Traditional Snacks: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience with Sommelier: $444


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

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


Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Akureyri?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Akureyri in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Akureyri. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vilnius is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vilnius 18°C (65°F) 
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Akureyri in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Akureyri. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Vilnius is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in October than Akureyri. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vilnius 8°C (46°F) 
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Akureyri in the Winter?

Both Akureyri and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).

Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vilnius -5°C (23°F) 
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Vilnius or Akureyri in the Spring?

Both Akureyri and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Vilnius is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vilnius 7°C (45°F) 
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Akureyri and Vilnius

Vilnius Akureyri
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb -4°C (26°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 1°C (33°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 13°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)