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

Should you visit Akureyri or Ghent?

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

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

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.

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent or Akureyri?

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 Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Ghent is $168. 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 Akureyri and Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $103
    Ghent $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $206
    Ghent $168
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Ghent? 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 Akureyri


Hotels in Ghent


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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Ghent $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent and Akureyri 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
    Akureyri $71
    Ghent $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

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

  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $93
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $109
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $178

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Ghent $10

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: $65
  • Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $78
  • Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $78
  • Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour near Akureyri: $79
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
  • Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall: $82
  • Family Friendly Horse Riding Tour in Skagafjörður: $91
  • Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
  • Zipline Tour: $95
  • Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated : $98

Tours and Activities in Ghent

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

  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.57
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.57
  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.57
  • Ghent Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.75
  • Ghent Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
  • Pub Trail an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of The Flemish City: $15
  • Escape Tour Gent -selfguided citygame- and find the secret exit!: $24
  • Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
  • TV like Ultimate Quiz Experience in Ghent: $30
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $54
  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Ghent $21


When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Ghent, 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 Akureyri Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Ghent?

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

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 Akureyri or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Ghent. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Akureyri is much colder than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Ghent. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Ghent 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Ghent in the Autumn?

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

Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Ghent in the Winter?

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

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Akureyri can be very cold during winter. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Ghent in the Spring?

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

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Ghent. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and Akureyri

Akureyri Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)