Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Akureyri. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Akureyri?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $61Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $61, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $191. 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 Chiang Mai and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Akureyri $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Akureyri? 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.18Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.26
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Moped Rental$5.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai Airport CNX Private Departure Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Private Arrival Transfer: $71
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Chiang Dao Round Trip Private Transfer: $143
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Thermal Resorts Arrival Transfer: $190
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $14
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Arrival or Departure: $25
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer – Hotel or Airport: $7.96
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfer by Private Van – Arrival or Departure: $54
- Chiang Mai Airport Transfers by Private Car: $32
- Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Temples Tour with Premium Transfer: $240
- Chiang Mai Highlights: Top 2 Tours & Airport Transfers Included: $287
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $21Akureyri $71
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$6.12
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.75
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Casual Breakfast$1.26
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Mangoes$0.94
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Coffee$1.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $10
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $10
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class : $29
- Evening Thai cooking class : $29
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $29
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Akureyri $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$41
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.88
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Kratong Lessons$3.14
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Pedicure$4.71
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.65
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car 3 Hour Adventure: $13
- Doi Suthep Temple Tour by Local Red Car – 3 Hours Experience: $13
- Old Town History and Culture Walking Tour at Chiang Mai: $15
- Art in Paradise: Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum Experience: $16
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hrs: $16
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $16
- Chiang Mai Farm Life & Khao Soy Tasting on a Half-Day Boat Tour: $17
- Chiangmai Temple And City Walking Tour with ex monk Part 1: $18
- Bua Thong Waterfalls Adventure Experience : $18
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples 3 hour Twilight Walking Tour : $18
- Muay Thai Ticket Thapae Boxing Stadium Chiang Mai Live Fight: $19
- Chiang Mai Temples Visit Walking Tour with Ex-Monk Guide Part 2: $19
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.78Akureyri $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Akureyri is in Europe, 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 Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Akureyri?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Akureyri, 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 Chiang Mai or Akureyri?
Akureyri has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Akureyri in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Akureyri. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Akureyri in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the summer, Chiang Mai often gets less sunshine than Akureyri. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the autumn, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Akureyri averages at about 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during autumn. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Akureyri in the Winter?
Both Akureyri and Chiang Mai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. In January, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the winter, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Akureyri. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Akureyri. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is much warmer than Akureyri in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during spring. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.