Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Malmo?
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 Malmo or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo 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: Malmo or Reykjavik?
Malmo
Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Sweden, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Malmo Prices
Sweden PricesReykjavik Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalmo $113Reykjavik $298
The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $113, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $298. 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 Malmo and Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalmo $54Reykjavik $155
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalmo $108Reykjavik $310
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Malmo 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: Malmo Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malmo $8.95Reykjavik $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:
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Malmö Bus Card$21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo
Also for Malmo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $162
- Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo: $102
- Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $56
- Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Malmö City to Kastrup hotel/address - Private Car Transfer: $102
- Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $130
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sky Lagoon Transfers to/from Keflavík International Airport: $75
- Sky Lagoon Ticket with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers from Reykjavik: $188
- Sky Lagoon Private Transfer : KEF to Sky Lagoon: $116
- 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
- Private Transfer to Keflavik Airport: $198
- Landmannalaugar Super Jeep All Year Transfer: $1,702
- Keflavik Airport Transfer with Scenic Stops: $151
Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Malmo 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 dayMalmo $50Reykjavik $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo
For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taysta's Food Tour i Malmö: $31
- Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $87
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)$198
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
- The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $147
- 3-Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
- Reykjavík Food Tour with 5 Authentic Local Tastings & Secret Dish: $151
- Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics: $154
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $171
- Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $171
- Reykjavík All In One Food Tour - Eat, Drink & Explore with Locals: $203
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $241
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malmo $18Reykjavik $80
Tours and Activities in Malmo
For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $24
- Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $15
- Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Malmö Photography Tour: $65
- Malmo Private Walking Tour with a Local: $43
- Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $23
- Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $70
- Malmo Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $75
- Self Guided Walking Tour of Malmö with Audio Guide: $5.79
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$12
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Wine and Spa$32
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): $139
- 1+ hour Private Horse riding tour from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær: $168
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $553
- 1-Hour Small Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar: $162
- 2 Hours Whale Watching Express Adventure: $94
- 2-Hour Buggy Adventure Tour out off Reykjavik: $264
- 2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: $191
- 2hr ATV adventure with Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $162
- 3-Hour Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure From Reykjavik: $339
- A Self-Guided Thingvellir National Park Walking Tour: $8.99
- Aurora by Boat Reykjavik Adventure: $85
- Become the Hunter Live Self Drive Aurora Hunting Experience: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalmo $40Reykjavik $31
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$9.77
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $48
- Craft Beer and Brewery Tour in Iceland: $48
- Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $48
- Icelandic Bar Crawl and Karaoke Experience: $169
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malmo and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Malmo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malmo Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malmo or Reykjavik?
Malmo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Malmo 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 Malmo 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 Malmo or Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
In July, Malmo is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 17°C (62°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malmo. Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Malmo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalmo 17°C (62°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Malmo or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik and Malmo during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Malmo is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the autumn, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.
Malmo usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 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 OctoberMalmo 10°C (50°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Malmo or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Reykjavik. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Malmo. In the winter, Malmo is around the same temperature as Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malmo in January average around 0°C (32°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Malmo gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Malmo usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Malmo gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalmo 0°C (32°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Malmo or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Malmo as well as Reykjavik. Additionally, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Malmo is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 5°C (42°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the spring, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Malmo gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.
Malmo usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Malmo gets 35 mm (1.4 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 AprilMalmo 5°C (42°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Malmo
| Malmo | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 0°C (32°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (35°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (42°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 11°C (51°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (50°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (36°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.