Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Malmo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalmo $81Reykjavik $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $81, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $243. 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 $48Reykjavik $138
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalmo $96Reykjavik $276
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 $7.88Reykjavik $45
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$18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo
Also for Malmo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Malmo Airport MMX to Fredericia Port: $96
- Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $121
- Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $95
- Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $95
- Malmo City Center to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
- Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City Center - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- To/from Blue Lagoon Private Transfer in Iceland: $159
- The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik: $103
- The Blue Lagoon Comfort Package Including Transfer from Reykjavik: $167
- Sky Lagoon Entry with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers from Reykjavik: $115
- Skarfabakki Cruise Port to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
- Skarfabakki Cruise Port Transfers To/From Keflavik Airport.: $161
- Sky Lagoon Admission with Transfer: $124
- Roundtrip Bus Transfer to the Blue Lagoon: $45
- Private Transfer to/from Keflavík Airport: $169
- Private Luxury Airport Transfer Service: $278
- Private Airport Transfer to Keflavik : $165
- Private Airport Transfer - RVK to KEF: $53
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 $25Reykjavik $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo
For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $59
- Guided Food Tour in Malmö (Private): $120
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)$176
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Icelandic Food Tour: $123
- Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $125
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $127
- 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: $144
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour: $145
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malmo $16Reykjavik $71
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: $21
- Exploring Malmo Walking Tour: $147
- Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $33
- Joyful Malmo Walking Tour for Couples: $147
- Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Malmö Ghost Story: A self-guided audio walking tour: $9.35
- Malmö Photography Tour: $58
- Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $66
- Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $9.35
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:
- WWII History Tour with a 1940's British Officer in Reykjavik: $148
- #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos: $145
- 1 hour Reykjavík E-Scooter Adventure: $58
- 1-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik: $131
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $435
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- 1hr Buggy Adventure from Reykjavik: $172
- 2hr Buggy 'Lava Field Adventure' from Reykjavik: $219
- 3-Hour Private Discover Reykjavik Photography Tour: $172
- 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
- ATV - QUAD Adventure: $174
- Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík & Hella: $174
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalmo $35Reykjavik $28
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$8.67
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 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 much warmer than 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.