A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cairo vs. Reykjavik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cairo or Reykjavik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Reykjavik 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: Cairo or Reykjavik?

Cairo

Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Cairo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $31, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $304. 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 Cairo and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $10
    Reykjavik $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $20
    Reykjavik $316
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Cairo or Reykjavik? 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.

Hotels in Cairo


Hotels in Reykjavik


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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.53
    Reykjavik $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.08
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • transfer from Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels to Alexandria: $55
  • private transfer from Cairo to Alexandria: $95
  • private Airport Transfer from any destination in Cairo or Giza: $35
  • one transfer from airport to Cairo Giza hotels or hotels to Cairo airport: $22
  • Welcome to Private Airport Pickup & Transfer: $24
  • Visit Mall of Egypt with Hotel Transfer: $47
  • VIP Meet and assist with transfer from Cairo and SPX Airport: $12
  • VIP Meet and Greet Private Hotel Transfer From Cairo Airport: $20
  • VIP Meet and Assist in Cairo Airport with Private Transfer to Cairo Hotels: $49
  • VIP Meet and Assist at Cairo Airport with Private Hotel Transfer: $35
  • VIP Luxury Airport Transfer: Mercedes E-Class Meet & Greet: $50
  • VIP Ain Sokhna Red Sea Day Trip from Cairo with Private Transfer: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Alesund : Private Transfer to/from Ålesund Airport and City: $116
  • Arrival in Iceland – Private Transfer from Keflavík Airport: $147
  • Blue Lagoon Admission with Mask, Drink, Transfers from Reykjavik: $236
  • Blue Lagoon Private Transfer From KEF or Reykjavik: $153
  • Blue Lagoon Private Transfer To or From Reykjavik: $176
  • Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $613
  • Bus Transfer: Reykjavík / Hella / Hvolsvöllur to Thórsmörk: $96
  • Cruise Port Private Transfer to Keflavik Airport: $200
  • Cruise Port Transfer : Reykjavik to Cruise Port: $176
  • Departure from Reykjavík – Private Transfer to Keflavík Airport: $141
  • From Reykjavík: Blue Lagoon Premium Admission with Transfer: $206
  • From Reykjavík: Private Transfer From OR To Blue Lagoon: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Cairo 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 day
    Cairo $16
    Reykjavik $59
Typical Food Prices in Cairo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:


  • Juice
    $0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.

  • Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
  • Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
  • 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
  • Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
  • Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.00
  • night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $8.00
  • Romantic Nile Dinner Cruise Experience: $8.00
  • 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
  • food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $8.00
  • Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping,Dinner cruiseII: $8.00

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $202

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbor Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $137
  • Harbor Cruise with Three Course Dinner from Reykjavik: $139
  • Food Tour by locals: $140
  • Authentic Reykjavik Food Tour with Flea Market Delights: $146
  • Icelandic Food Tour: $147
  • Reykjavík Food Tour with 5 Authentic Local Tastings & Secret Dish: $153
  • Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics: $154
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $171
  • Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $171
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $241
  • Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $241
  • Authentic Icelandic Cooking Class in a Local Reykjavik Home: $285

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $8.46
    Reykjavik $82
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo

Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Camel Market for Two
    $0.78
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.02

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • (Egypt jewel) Day Tour To Giza Pyramids, Museum, Mosque &Felucca: $55
  • 01 Day Cairo tour Islamic and Coptic Cairo: $143
  • 01 Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $246
  • 1 Day Private Tour in Cairo and Giza: $90
  • 1 Day Private Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $100
  • 1 Day tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $30
  • 1 Day tour to Giza pyramids Memphis city Dahshur and Saqqara pyramids: $15
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour Around Giza Pyramids: $30
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour around Giza Pyramids: $38
  • 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
  • 1 Hour adventure in the Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    $12
  • Wine and Spa
    $33

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Reykjavik Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 20 reviews: $6.94
  • Reykjavik Viking Roots to Modern Marvels Self Guided Walking Tour: $7.00
  • Reykjavík Walking Tour with Audioguide on your Smartphone: $9.39
  • A Self-Guided Thingvellir National Park Walking Tour: $9.99
  • TOP Iceland : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $12
  • Self Guided Golden Circle Audio Driving Tour GPS APP Offline: $12
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $21
  • Reykjavik Art Museum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Skip the Line: The National Museum of Iceland Ticket: $24
  • Volcano Express Entry Ticket at Harpa: $24
  • Mosfellsbæ: Authentic Icelandic Wool Yarn Factory Tour: $26
  • Icelandic Phallological Museum Entry Ticket: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.37
    Reykjavik $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:

  • Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $69

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    $9.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Craft Beer and Brewery Tour in Iceland: $48
  • Reykjavík Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Games: $152
  • Icelandic Bar Crawl Experience: $162


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa and Reykjavik 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik than you might in Cairo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Reykjavik?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Reykjavik, 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 Cairo or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cairo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Cairo or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Reykjavik. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cairo is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the summer, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. In the autumn, Cairo is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Cairo during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In January, Cairo is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the winter, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. Cairo is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Cairo

Cairo Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)