Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Coimbra?
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 Coimbra or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Reykjavik? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Coimbra or Reykjavik?
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Coimbra Prices
Portugal PricesReykjavik Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €138Reykjavik €273
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €138, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €273. 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 Coimbra and Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Reykjavik €142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Reykjavik €284
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra 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.
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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Reykjavik €46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer to and from Lisbon Airport: $183
- Private transfer from/to Fatima - Porto, Coimbra or Aveiro: $263
- Private transfer from/to Fátima - Porto, Braga or Guimarães: $204
- Coimbra Private Transfers Multiple Destinations: $157
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer To & From Blue Lagoon: $108
- The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik: $118
- Sky Lagoon Transfers to/from Keflavík International Airport: $75
- Sky Lagoon Ticket with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers from Reykjavik: $149
- Sky Lagoon Private Transfer : KEF to Sky Lagoon: $114
- Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
- Silver Circle Tour & Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $1,386
- Sky Lagoon Admission with Transfer: $257
- Roundtrip Bus Transfer to the Blue Lagoon: $59
- Reykjaböð Hot Springs Entry & Transfer: $151
- Private Transfer within Reykjavik City: $87
- Private Transfer to/from Keflavík Airport (KEF): $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Coimbra 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 dayCoimbra €83Reykjavik €53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Erotic Cabaret Show and Dinner: $64
- Bairrada Food Tour: $115
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner (Fish Market)€181
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
- Food Tour by locals: $140
- Authentic Reykjavik Food Tour with Flea Market Delights: $146
- Icelandic Food Tour: $147
- Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics: $154
- Reykjavík All In One Food Tour - Eat, Drink & Explore with Locals: $170
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $171
- Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $171
- Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $241
- Authentic Icelandic Cooking Class in a Local Reykjavik Home: $285
- South Coast Private tour with Black Pizza & Glacier Hike: $1,595
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Reykjavik €73
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Academic Traditions Tour in Coimbra: $69
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $99
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coimbra: $86
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $86
- Aveiro, Barra and Costa Nova | Full-day Private Tour: $221
- Bairrada Experience Full day with a local Sommelier: $206
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $29
- Buracas do Casmilo Private Hiking Tour from Coimbra: $103
- Bussaco Forest Walking Experience, half day from Coimbra: $80
- Coimbra - Condeixa: 120-minute Off-road Buggy Adventure: $303
- Coimbra - Condeixa: 240-minute Off-Road Buggy Adventure: $512
- Coimbra - Condeixa: 60-minute Off-road Buggy Adventure: $175
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Museum€11
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Wine and Spa€30
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Tour : Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $137
- 1+ hour Private Horse riding tour from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær: $154
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $553
- 1-Hour Small Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar: $160
- 1.5 Hour Buggy Tour from Reykjavik – Off-Road Adventure: $219
- 1.5 hour ATV Mountain Peak adventure with pickup from Reykjavik: $149
- 2-Hour Buggy Adventure Tour out off Reykjavik: $264
- 2.5 hour Twin Peaks ATV Adventure with pickup from Reykjavik: $179
- 2hr ATV adventure with Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $160
- 3-Hour Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure From Reykjavik: $339
- 4x4 Reykjavik Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Photographer: $238
- BEST Guided Northern Lights Tour with Snacks 100% refundable: $137
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Reykjavik €29
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites: $31
- Coimbra Food and Wine Tasting Private Guided Walk: $41
- Wine Tasting and Scenic Tour in Bairrada: $113
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
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Beer€8.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $47
- Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra 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 Coimbra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Coimbra Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Reykjavik?
Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Reykjavik?
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 Coimbra or Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Coimbra is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coimbra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. In October, Coimbra is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 18°C (65°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Reykjavik. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Coimbra is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.
Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Reykjavik. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In the spring, Coimbra is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coimbra in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.
Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.