Which place is cheaper, Queenstown 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 Queenstown?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Queenstown, 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 Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
-
Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Queenstown $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $130. 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 Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Queenstown $55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Queenstown $110
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Queenstown? 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 Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Queenstown $10
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152
- Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $69
- Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $177
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
- Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $101
- Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $90
- Queenstown private transfer: $87
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982
- ZQN Airport to Downtown|Hotels Private Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown 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 $71Queenstown $62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
- Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $135
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Queenstown $21
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: $79
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
- Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall: $82
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated : $98
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
-
Skyline Gondola (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Underwater Theatre Experience Entry Ticket: $12
- Augmented Reality Escape Adventure: $20
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $26
- Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options: $29
- Go Karts - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $32
- Kiwi Park Admission Ticket: $35
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise: $40
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes): $41
- Scenic Queenstown Lake Cruise : $41
- Glenorchy Kiwi Special Tour : $53
- Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Wineries Bike Tour: $55
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Queenstown $8.86
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $53
- Bike & Wine Tour: Arrowtown to Valley of the Vines: $69
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
- Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
- Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
- Classic Wine Tour: $127
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $131
- Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
- Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries: $137
- Wine Tasting Tour: $144
- Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $149
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Queenstown, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Akureyri is in Europe and Queenstown is in Pacific, 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 Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Queenstown?
Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Queenstown, 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.
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.