Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Akureyri?
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 Akureyri or Heidelberg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?
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.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.
-
Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesHeidelberg Prices
Germany Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Heidelberg $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is $198. 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 Heidelberg in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Heidelberg $109
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Heidelberg $218
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Heidelberg
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Heidelberg? 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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Heidelberg $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg
Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $167
- Badenweiler to Basel Airport (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $248
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Heidelberg?
Prices for flights to both Heidelberg 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 dayAkureyri $71Heidelberg $76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg
For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Frauenbad Magic Dinner with Chris Stark (DE & EN): $155
- Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $762
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Heidelberg $13
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Cruise Port: Mývatn Lakes, Waterfalls & Nature Trip: $282
- Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $167
- Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $229
- 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: $82
- Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $329
- Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $247
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $143
- Akureyri Private Walking Tour: $135
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour by Ship: $108
- E-Bike Tour with Forest Lagoon Entry: $217
Tours and Activities in Heidelberg
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.
- Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.71
- Heidelberg Secrets Quest: Self-Guided Old Town Adventure: $5.95
- Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.40
- Heidelberg Interactive City Tour: $8.35
- Walking Tour of the Old Town: $15
- Night Watchman Historic Adventure Tour: $16
- Entertaining Guided Tour to Old Town Highlights: $16
- Guided tour of Heidelberg: $17
- Tour through Heidelberg in the footsteps of the night watchmen: $17
- Old Town and Christmas Market Walking Tour: $18
- Experience our history 1.5-hour walking tour through the old town: $18
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Heidelberg $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:
- Pub crawl through the old town, drinks included: $41
- Private pub crawl with insider-guide & shots: $334
When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Heidelberg?
Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?
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 Akureyri or Heidelberg in the Summer?
Both Heidelberg and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Heidelberg in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Heidelberg. Furthermore, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Heidelberg in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Heidelberg. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. Akureyri can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Heidelberg. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Heidelberg in the Spring?
Both Heidelberg and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Heidelberg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.