Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Akureyri, 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: Phuket or Akureyri?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, 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 Phuket and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Akureyri $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Akureyri $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Hanuman World Phuket Round Trip Transfer Extra Zone: $95
- Lion Land Phuket Entry Ticket with Private Hotel Transfer: $69
- Ziplines 28 platforms with Free Transfer RoundTrips: $80
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $11
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $160
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $135
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Ticket Include Transfers: $84
- Andamanda Phuket Water Park Tickets with Transfers: $116
- Andamanda Water Park Phuket Entry Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $75
- Arrival Phuket Airport Private Transfer : Hotel in Phuket: $43
- Arrival Private Transfers from Phuket Airport HKT to Phuket City: $131
- Best ATV Bike and Ziplines Adventure with Transfer : $42
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 Phuket or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $43Akureyri $71
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $49Akureyri $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $4.75
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $8.05
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $17
- Aquaria Phuket Tickets and 4D Trickeye Museum Combo Deal: $17
- Aquaria Phuket and 4D Trickeye Museum Experience Ticket: $17
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
- Patong Beach Parasailing and Jet Skiing Experience Shared: $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 dayPhuket $7.32Akureyri $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
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Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Phuket much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phuket 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 Phuket would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phuket 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 Phuket.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phuket Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Akureyri?
Phuket has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Akureyri?
Akureyri has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
In July, Phuket is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Phuket. In July, Phuket usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 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 JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Phuket during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. Phuket is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the autumn, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Phuket gets 181 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 Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Akureyri. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket. June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Akureyri. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).
In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Phuket usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Phuket is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Akureyri. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Akureyri can be very cold during spring. In April, Phuket is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the spring, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
Phuket receives a lot of rain in the spring. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Phuket
| Phuket | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.