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

Should you visit Akureyri or Koh Phi Phi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $103
    Koh Phi Phi $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $206
    Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi


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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Koh Phi Phi $7.93

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

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


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $17
  • Longboat Taxi
    $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

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

  • Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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
    Koh Phi Phi $23

Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.88
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $11
  • Casual Lunch
    $6.59
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.31
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $13
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
  • International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Koh Phi Phi $52

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $9.42

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

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

  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
  • Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
  • Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
  • Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
  • Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
  • Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
  • Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
  • Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Koh Phi Phi $6.51

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

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


  • Mojito Bucket
    $16
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $6.28


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Akureyri is in Europe and Koh Phi Phi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.

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


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Koh Phi Phi?

Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Akureyri has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Akureyri or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Akureyri during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

In the summer, Akureyri is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Akureyri in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. In October, Akureyri is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 3°C (38°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Akureyri is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In the spring, Akureyri is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Akureyri in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Akureyri

Akureyri Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)