Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Akureyri?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Akureyri or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesRio de Janeiro Prices
Brazil Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Rio de Janeiro $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $115. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Rio de Janeiro $64
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Rio de Janeiro $128
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Rio de Janeiro $7.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Business Car: $113
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $85
- Angra dos Reis Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro : $122
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $90
- Arrival Transfer: Airport GIG to Rio de Janeiro by Business Van: $137
- Boat Party by Night in Rio de Janeiro Admission & Transfer : $68
- Buzios Private Transfer to and from Rio de Janeiro: $200
- Buzios Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $40
- Cabo Frio Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro : $124
- Cabo Frio Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $63
- Carnaval Party Tour and Samba Class in Rio with Transfer: $60
- Corcovado & Favela Tour with Transfer: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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
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Food Meals for one dayAkureyri $71Rio de Janeiro $34
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.56
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Corn on the Cob$0.75
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Hamburger$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner and Live Music in Rio de Janeiro: $46
- Hands-On Cooking Class in Rio: Iconic Street Foods & Caipirinhas: $75
- Authentic Brazilian BBQ & Wine: A Guided Dinner Experience in Rio: $79
- Roxy Show - Brazilian Rhythms with optional Barbecue Dinner: $85
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Family Cooking Class in Rio Make 9 Brazilian Dishes Together: $95
- LGBTQ+ Cooking Class in Rio: Cook, Toast & Celebrate Together: $95
- Brazilian BBQ Cooking & Drinks Class + Patio Party in Copacabana: $95
- Dinner and Show at the Official Roxy Dinner Show - Rio de Janeiro: $122
- Brazilian Dinner Show: Cultural Experience in Rio de Janeiro: $126
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
- Flavors of Cooking Class and Caipirinhas: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Rio de Janeiro $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
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.51
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $4.51
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Rocinha Local Tour: $19
- Rocinha favela walking tour with a local guide: $20
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $23
- Tour of the Heart of Historic Rio de Janeiro : $23
- Rio de Janeiro Tour with App – No Guide, Start When You Want: $24
- Carnival Backstage Tour - Visit a traditional Samba School : $25
- Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail : $26
- Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Rio de Janeiro $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $40
- Rio Pub Crawl: Taste Caipirinhas & Local Bar Snacks: $95
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Akureyri and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Akureyri is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, 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 Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Akureyri Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Akureyri has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Akureyri or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Akureyri during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Akureyri is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Akureyri usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.
In January, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiroin July. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.