Which place is cheaper, Salzburg 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 Salzburg?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri or Salzburg, 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 Salzburg?
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.
Salzburg
Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.
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Akureyri Prices
Iceland PricesSalzburg Prices
Austria Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAkureyri $191Salzburg $217
The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $191, while the average daily cost in Salzburg is $217. 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 Salzburg in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAkureyri $103Salzburg $107
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAkureyri $206Salzburg $214
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Salzburg
Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Salzburg? 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 Salzburg Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Akureyri $23Salzburg $23
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 Salzburg
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:
- Airport Transfer: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg by Luxury Car: $118
- Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $99
- Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $102
- Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $99
- From Salzburg to Munich Airport- Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $277
- Hallstatt daytrip: Transfer to Hallstatt + Salzburg and back: $523
- Private Salzburg transfer : $239
- Private Transfer From Salzburg To Kitzbuhel, English Speaking Driver : $200
- Private Transfer From Zell am See To Munich: $245
- Private Transfer From Zell am See To Salzburg, English Speaking Driver: $202
- Private Transfer Salzburg → Munich, Hotel-to-Hotel, English-speaking driver: $277
- Private Transfer between Salzburg Airport and Salzburg City: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Salzburg?
Prices for flights to both Salzburg 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 $71Salzburg $84
Typical Food Prices in Salzburg
Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:
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Lunch Salad$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.
- Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $69
- Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson: $69
- Apple Strudel & Prezel Cooking Class incl. Dinner & Music: $94
- Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $98
- Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $98
- Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $101
- Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $129
- Sound of Music Tour with Edelweiss Cooking Class in Salzburg: $149
- Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $153
- Private Knödel (Austrian Dumplings) Cooking Class with a Chef: $178
- Private Artisanal Charcuterie "Marende" Cooking Class with a Chef: $274
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Akureyri $18Salzburg $35
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 Salzburg
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:
- Salzburg Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.77
- Salzburg Music, Myths and Baroque Beauty Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.94
- Zell am See Exploration Game and Tour: $7.15
- Mozart's Salzburg Exploration Game and Tour: $7.15
- Salzburg Uncovered: Your Self Guided Adventure: $8.34
- A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $12
- Sightseeing with the Sound of Music: A Salzburg Audio Tour: $12
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Stiegl Brauwelt Museum ticket: $17
- Fun & mobile puzzle rally tour in Mozart's footsteps through Salzburg: $26
- Fun & mobile puzzle rally tour through Salzburg: $31
- Salzburg Old Town Walking Tour, Mozart, Mirabell Gardens: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAkureyri $15Salzburg $31
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:
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Beer$4.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:
- Salzburg Brewery Tour: $60
- Cheers to Beer &Wine Tasting with local Food Pairing: $95
- Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $204
When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Salzburg?
Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri and Salzburg, 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 Salzburg?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Akureyri or Salzburg in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Akureyri and Salzburg. Furthermore, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.
In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Salzburg this time of the year. Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Salzburg during summer. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Salzburg. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAkureyri 11°C (52°F)Salzburg 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Salzburg in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Salzburg. Additionally, many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Salzburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the autumn, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Salzburg. Akureyri gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 108 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets more rain in October than Salzburg. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAkureyri 3°C (38°F)Salzburg 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Salzburg in the Winter?
Both Salzburg and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Salzburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Salzburg averages at about -0°C (31°F).
Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Salzburg during winter. Akureyri gets 7 hours of sunny skies, while Salzburg receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Akureyri usually receives around the same amount of rain as Salzburg. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAkureyri -2°C (28°F)Salzburg -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Akureyri or Salzburg in the Spring?
Both Salzburg and Akureyri during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Salzburg. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Salzburg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the spring, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Salzburg. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Salzburg receives 155 hours of full sun.
Akureyri usually gets less rain in April than Salzburg. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Salzburg receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAkureyri 2°C (36°F)Salzburg 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Salzburg and Akureyri
| Akureyri | Salzburg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 93 mm (3.6 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 64 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.