Which city is cheaper, Reykjavik or Copenhagen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Copenhagen vs. Reykjavik for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples
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Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a progressive, friendly, and happy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.
Copenhagen and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons
Copenhagen
Pros- Popular for food and cuisine
- Good nightlife
- Good for shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Impressive beauty
Reykjavik
Pros- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
How is Copenhagen different from Reykjavik?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik and Copenhagen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Copenhagen or Reykjavik Better for Food?
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
For a nice culinary experience, head to Copenhagen, which is well known for it's local dishes and restaurants.
Many restaurants in Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.
Reykjavik may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).
Is Copenhagen or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
For nightlife, head to Copenhagen instead of Reykjavik.
Copenhagen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.
Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.
Is Copenhagen or Reykjavik Better for Shopping?
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
While Reykjavik and Copenhagen are both popular shopping destinations, overall Copenhagen is considered to be better.
Known for shopping, Copenhagen draws large crowds to its stores. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.
Many visitors go to Reykjavik to go shopping. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.
Is Copenhagen or Reykjavik Better for Families?
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
Both Copenhagen and Reykjavik are fun to visit with kids.
Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.
Reykjavik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.
Is Copenhagen or Reykjavik Better for Couples?
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
Both Copenhagen and Reykjavik are good destinations for a couple's getaway.
Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.
Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.
Is Copenhagen or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
Copenhagen and Reykjavik are both good destinations for backpackers.
Many backpackers visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.
Reykjavik is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.
Is Copenhagen or Reykjavik Better for Students?
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
Both Copenhagen and Reykjavik are popular destinations for students.
Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.
Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.
Is Copenhagen or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit?
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
Copenhagen generally offers a better public transit system than Reykjavik.
Copenhagen has a great public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.
You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.
Is Copenhagen or Reykjavik a more walkable city?
Copenhagen
Reykjavik
Copenhagen and Reykjavik are similar when it comes to walkability.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.
Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.
Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Copenhagen?
How long in Copenhagen or Reykjavik?
In either Copenhagen or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Copenhagen is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Reykjavik is 1-5 days.
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How many days in Copenhagen or Reykjavik? Ideal Length of StayCopenhagen 2-5Reykjavik 1-5
One day in Copenhagen or Reykjavik?
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Copenhagen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
With shopping and nightlife around the friendly city of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, one day is sufficent for most.
A weekend in Copenhagen or Reykjavik?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Five days in Copenhagen or Reykjavik?
You'll find nightlife and food around the relaxed city of Copenhagen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Reykjavik, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
A week in Copenhagen or Reykjavik?
Copenhagen is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Reykjavik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCopenhagen $174Reykjavik $193
The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $174, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $193. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Copenhagen and Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCopenhagen $75Reykjavik $109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCopenhagen $150Reykjavik $218
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen 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: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Copenhagen $61Reykjavik $36
Typical Local Transportation prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:
-
Bicycle Renting$63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen
Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ultra - Copenhagen Private Airport Transfer City Centre to Copenhagen Airport: $8.71
- Round Trip Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH) Transfer to Copenhagen City Center: $155
- Private Departure Transfer from Copenhagen City to CPH Copenhagen Airport: $86
- Private Airport Transfer: from Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport (CPH): $86
- Private Airport Transfer: Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport (CPH): $136
- Departure Private Transfer: Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport CPH in Luxuy Van: $142
- Departure Private Transfer: Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport CPH in Business Car: $124
- Departure Private Transfer: Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Airport CPH by Minibus: $266
- Departure Private Transfer from Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Port in Minibus: $200
- Departure Private Transfer Copenhagen to Copenhagen Port in Luxury Van: $97
- Departure Private Transfer Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport CPH by Luxury Car: $125
- Departure Private Transfer Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport CPH by Business Car: $118
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ultra - Reykjavik Private Airport Transfer from Cruise Port to Keflavík Airport: $8.71
- Ultra - Reykjavik Private Airport Transfer from City Hotels to Keflavík Airport: $218
- Transfer to & from Blue Lagoon: $78
- SuperSaver: Northern Lights by mini-bus & Blue Lagoon transfer: $149
- Secret Lagoon with transfer: $80
- Roundtrip Transfer from Reykjavik/Keflavik to Blue Lagoon with Entrance Fee: $187
- Round Trip Keflavik Airport (KEF) Transfer to Reykjavik City Center: $175
- Reykjavík Airport Private Departure Transfer: $236
- Shuttle Bus Transfer to/from Keflavik Airport: $26
- Private Transfer to/from KEF Intl. Airport (KEF): $204
- Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $111
- Reykjavik area to Keflavik Private Luxury Airport Transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Copenhagen or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Copenhagen 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 dayCopenhagen $53Reykjavik $24
Typical Food prices in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Hot Dogs$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Copenhagen Street Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $94
- Traditional Nordic and Danish Cooking Class with an Expert Local: $97
- Sweden Daytrip: Food Tour to Malmö: $1,724
Typical Food prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner (Fish Market)$174
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family: $112
- Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $123
- Dinner with an Icelandic Artist in Reykjavik Home: $151
- Secret Lagoon, Buffet Dinner, and Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik: $159
- South Coast: Volcanoes, waterfalls & Viking dinner at the Viking house: $179
- Private Reykjavik Food Tour: $198
- South Coast: Small group glacier hike, fire & ice with dinner at Viking lodge: $199
- Cook and Dine Icelandic Cooking Class Gourmet Lunch or Dinner: $204
- Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik: $229
- West Iceland Private Food Tour from Reykjavik: $723
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Copenhagen $25Reykjavik $56
Typical Entertainment prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Boat Tour$8.77
-
Coffee$14
Tours and Activities in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Best of Copenhagen Private Tour: $578
- Copenhagen 3 hrs Private Panoramic Tour: $482
- Copenhagen City Highlights Private Tour & Christiansborg Palace: $908
- Copenhagen Highlights and Torvehallerne Market Private Tour: $578
- Copenhagen Old City Train Tours: $14
- Copenhagen Private Walking Tour: $323
- Copenhagen Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Copenhagen Welcome Tour: Private Tour with a Local: $40
- 1-Hour Canal Cruise from Ved Stranden or Nyhavn: $15
- 2-Hour City Walking Tour: $40
- 2-hour “Hidden Gems” Canal Tour: $61
- 4-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour: $848
Typical Entertainment prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Art Museum$11
-
Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Tour From Reykjavik: $126
- (Private tour) 4 Days South Coast, Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes: $3,388
- 1.5 Hour Midnight Sun Buggy Tour From Reykjavik: $160
- 10-day Private tour of Iceland: Geysers & Glaciers: $13,561
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- 1hr ATV Adventure & Caving from Reykjavik: $254
- 1hr ATV Adventure & Helicopter Adventure Combination Tour from Reykjavik: $403
- 1hr ATV Adventure & Rafting Tour from Reykjavik: $287
- 1hr ATV Adventure & Whale Watching Combination Tour from Reykjavik: $248
- 1hr ATV Reykjavik Peak Adventure: $143
- 1hr ATV adventure & Northern lights Hunt from Reykjavik: $238
- 1hr Buggy & Lava Caving Combination Tour from Reykjavik: $283
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCopenhagen $11Reykjavik $22
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$8.60
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $34
- Private Reykjavik Pub Crawl: $181
- Reykjavik Food & Wine Tour: $249
When comparing the travel costs between Copenhagen and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
When is the best time to visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Copenhagen is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik stays around 11°C (52°F).
In July, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCopenhagen 17°C (63°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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. Copenhagen is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The temperature in Copenhagen is usually 10°C (50°F) in October, and Reykjavik stays around 5°C (41°F).
Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 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 OctoberCopenhagen 10°C (50°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Reykjavik. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. It's quite cold in Copenhagen in the winter. In the winter, Copenhagen is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January are around 1°C (33°F), and Reykjavik is about -0°C (32°F).
In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCopenhagen 1°C (33°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Copenhagen or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Copenhagen is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Reykjavik stays around 3°C (38°F).
Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 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 AprilCopenhagen 7°C (45°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Copenhagen
| Copenhagen | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 3°C (37°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
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