Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Kyoto?
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 Kyoto or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kyoto and Akureyri can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Kyoto or Akureyri?
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Kyoto Prices
Japan PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKyoto $118Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Kyoto is $118, 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 Kyoto and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKyoto $66Akureyri $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKyoto $132Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Kyoto and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Kyoto 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kyoto $7.82Akureyri $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $132
- Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47
- Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
- Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $115
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $83
- Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $108
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Kyoto or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Kyoto 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 dayKyoto $43Akureyri $71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $55
- 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $75
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $75
- Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $76
- Japanese Cuisine Cooking Class in Kyoto: $76
- Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $76
- Nishiki Market Walking Food Tour with Local guide: $83
- Private Japanese Home Cooking Class in Kyoto with Michiyo: $86
- Japanese 'Bento' cooking class in Kyoto: $89
- Experience 'IZAKAYA' food cooking class in Kyoto: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kyoto $13Akureyri $18
Tours and Activities in Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour: $3.57
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an audio walking tour: $7.99
- Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Walking Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
- Kyoto Self-Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $15
- Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: 3-Hour Guided Tour: $20
- Kyoto Fushimi Sake Night Tour -Monitor tour-: $21
- Kyoto Running Tour with Locals: $21
- simple kimono plan＆Gorgeous kimono experience: $21
- Nishiki Market Street Food and Sake Tour in Kyoto -Monitor tour-: $21
- Private Walking Tour Kiyomizu Temple & Yasaka Shrine Monitor tour: $21
- Sagano Romantic Train Ticket: $22
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKyoto $13Akureyri $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $42
- Kyoto Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $65
- Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit : $141
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto 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 Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Kyoto.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kyoto Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Akureyri?
Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Akureyri?
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 Kyoto or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 27°C (81°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKyoto 27°C (81°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Kyoto during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. Kyoto is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the autumn, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Akureyri. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKyoto 18°C (64°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Akureyri. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. In the winter, Kyoto is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kyoto in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).
Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kyoto usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKyoto 5°C (40°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Kyoto or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Akureyri. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 14°C (58°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In the spring, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKyoto 14°C (58°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Kyoto
| Kyoto | Akureyri | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.