Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Reykjavik, 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: Jerusalem or Reykjavik?
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $108Reykjavik $246
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $108, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $246. 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 Jerusalem and Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $64Reykjavik $139
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $128Reykjavik $278
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $6.74Reykjavik $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.17
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Light Rail Jerusalem$9.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
- Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $215
- Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
- Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
- Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
- Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $148
- Jerusalem to Petra Private Transfer: $300
- Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport Private Transfer: $150
- Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Bláfjöll - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer: $27
- Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $27
- Iceland: Airport Transfer Between Reykjavík Center and Keflavík : $28
- Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
- Keflavík Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $29
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
- Iceland Airport Transfer from Reykjavík Hotels to KEF Airport: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Jerusalem 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 dayJerusalem $32Reykjavik $30
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$2.69
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Watermelon$4.04
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Lunch$12
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Food at Market$15
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Juice$2.69
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Bagels$8.07
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Lunch for 2$15
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Snacks$5.65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $117
- Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $170
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)$178
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 - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $8.55Reykjavik $72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Cooking Classes for 2$34
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
- Political Private Tour Ramallah: $140
- (From Jerusalem) One-Day Tour to Bethlehem Jericho & Jordan River Qasr alyahood: $99
- 2 Hour Shooting Experience: $173
- 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
- Amazing Family Tour in Jerusalem: $505
- Ashdod Shore Excursion: Jerusalem and Bethlehem - for cruise ship guests only: $115
- Best of Jerusalem Day Tour from Jerusalem: $102
- Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $69
- Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $147
- Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
- Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $20
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$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
- Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
- Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
- Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $18
- Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
- Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
- Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $16Reykjavik $28
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Beer$4.84
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$8.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Jerusalem much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East 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 Jerusalem would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Reykjavik?
Jerusalem has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Reykjavik?
Reykjavik has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Jerusalem or Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik and Jerusalem during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
Jerusalem is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the autumn, Jerusalem is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Reykjavik. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Jerusalem is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
In the winter, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Reykjavik in the Spring?
Both Reykjavik and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. Jerusalem is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.