Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Petra?
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 Petra or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Petra and Akureyri can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Akureyri?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
-
Petra Prices
Jordan PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, 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 Petra and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Akureyri $103
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Petra and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Akureyri $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Akureyri $71
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
-
Dinner for Two$12
-
Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Akureyri $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
-
Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Hike Tour of Petra: $10
- 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
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 near Akureyri: $79
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
- Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall: $82
- Family Friendly Horse Riding Tour in Skagafjörður: $91
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated : $98
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Akureyri $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Petra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Petra 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 Petra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Akureyri?
Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Akureyri?
Akureyri has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Petra or Akureyri in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Akureyri. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round.
The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Akureyri averages at about 11°C (52°F).
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Petra or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Akureyri. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Petra is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Akureyri. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Petra or Akureyri in the Winter?
Both Akureyri and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year.
Akureyri can be very cold during winter. Petra is much warmer than Akureyri in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Akureyri fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Petra or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the spring, Petra is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Akureyri averages at about 2°C (36°F).
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Akureyri. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Petra
| Petra | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 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.