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

Should you visit Akureyri or Mainz?

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

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

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.

Mainz

On the Rhine River, the ages of the medieval stand before you in their half-timbered constructions, giving this quaint, old town a hint of the spellbinding. A time capsule of Germany, Mainz is enriched by its vast history as well as its cosmopolitan air. Dating back to around 38 BC, Mainz was built by Romans and founded as the the episcopal seat of the influential Prince-Electors. With its history spanning more than 2,000 years, Mainz is rich in its exquisite architecture, such as its stunning cathedrals, medieval market squares, and Renaissance fountains. However, Mainz also has been blessed with the joys and comforts of modernization, giving way to fantastic shopping centers, tasty restaurants, and absolutely fascinating museums. A media hub and regional capital, Mainz is also known as the wine capital of Germany as its civilians have a long history of winegrowing throughout the city. Whether you seek to oogle at artifacts at the Gutenberg Museum or sit a spell at one of the town's fine eateries, the possibilities are endless in Mainz!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Mainz 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 Mainz is $201. 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 Mainz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $103
    Mainz $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $206
    Mainz $174
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Mainz

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Mainz? 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 Mainz


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 Mainz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Mainz $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Mainz?

Prices for flights to both Mainz 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
    Mainz $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Mainz $39

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 Mainz

For Mainz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mainz Interactive City Tour: $8.35
  • Mainz Old Town: A Self-Guided Walking Tour : $8.99
  • Guided tour in Mainz on the Rhine in german and english: $20
  • guided evening tour of the Rhine riverbank/old town in German and English: $20
  • Evening walking tour of Mainz Rhine bank and Old Town: $20
  • Golden Mainz and its Sights: Guided Walking Tour: $24
  • 2-Hour Advent Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Rhine: $27
  • Guided historical tour through the old town with Geo Epoche: $29
  • Mainz Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Tour: $31
  • Explore A Guided Tour of One of Germany's True Gems: $33
  • Urban Adventure Game in Mainz with an app: $48
  • Stand Up Paddling Tour on the Rhine River: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Mainz $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Mainz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mainz:

  • Wine along the Rhein - Half day Wine Tour from Mainz: $299
  • Private pub crawl with insider guide & free shots: $334
  • Private Xmas Market Hopping with gondola ride & wine tasting: $856


When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Mainz, we can see that Mainz 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 Mainz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Mainz?

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

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 Mainz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Mainz. Additionally, many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences.

Akureyri is much colder than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets less rain in July than Mainz. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Mainz 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the autumn, Akureyri is much colder than Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Akureyri in October average around 3°C (38°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Akureyri usually receives more rain than Mainz. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mainz can be very cold during winter. Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Akureyri is generally much colder than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around -2°C (28°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Mainz. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Mainz 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Mainz. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty.

Akureyri can be very cold during spring. Akureyri is much colder than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Mainz during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Mainz. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Mainz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Mainz and Akureyri

Akureyri Mainz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)