A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manila vs. Reykjavik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Manila or Reykjavik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manila and Reykjavik can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manila or Reykjavik?

Manila

A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.

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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $98, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $304. 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 Manila and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $50
    Reykjavik $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $100
    Reykjavik $316
Compare Hotels in Manila and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Manila 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.

Hotels in Manila


Hotels in Reykjavik


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: Manila Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $13
    Reykjavik $52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
  • Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
  • Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $28
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Private Airport Transfer: Metro Manila → NAIA Airport (MNL): $30
  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
  • Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Reykjavik/Keflavik Airport: 1-Way Blue Lagoon Transfer: $31
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $38
  • Airport Transfer: Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik Center in Iceland: $39
  • Reykjavik/Keflavik: Sky Lagoon Private Transfer: $47
  • Airport Transfer: Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Reykjavik Hotels: $52
  • Iceland Airport Transfer from Reykjavík Hotels to KEF Airport: $52
  • From Reykjavík: Private Transfer From OR To Blue Lagoon: $59
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to the Blue Lagoon: $59
  • Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn): $60
  • Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $60
  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $61
  • Reykjavik - Westman Islands (Bus transfer to Landeyjahöfn): $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Manila 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Manila $29
    Reykjavik $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
  • Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
  • Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
  • A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
  • Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $202

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
  • Harbor Cruise with Three Course Dinner from Reykjavik: $139
  • Food Tour by locals: $140
  • Authentic Reykjavik Food Tour with Flea Market Delights: $146
  • Icelandic Food Tour: $147
  • The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $147
  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $149
  • 3-Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
  • Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics: $154
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $171
  • Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $171
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $241

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $18
    Reykjavik $82

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $258
  • A Full Day Tour Adventure From Manila’s History to Volcano Views: $180
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Tour 2in1: $125
  • Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $80
  • BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $357
  • BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,130
  • Banaue-Hapao Rice Terraces (Car Rental W/ Manila Tourist Driver): $300
  • Calatagan Beach Waterpark Island Hopping Adventure from Manila: $248
  • Cavite Leisure And Farm Tour: $170
  • Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $71
  • Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $85

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    $12
  • Wine and Spa
    $33

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Reykjavík Interactive City Tour: $8.25
  • A Self-Guided Thingvellir National Park Walking Tour: $8.99
  • Viking Reykjavik GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $11
  • Reykjavik History and Sightseeing Walking Tour: $16
  • Caves of Laugarvatn Standard Tour: $17
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $21
  • Reykjavik Art Museum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Volcano Express Entry Ticket at Harpa: $24
  • Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $25
  • Mosfellsbæ: Authentic Icelandic Wool Yarn Factory Tour: $26
  • Icelandic Phallological Museum Entry Ticket: $29
  • Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.17
    Reykjavik $32

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    $9.98

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Craft Beer and Brewery Tour in Iceland: $48
  • Icelandic Bar Crawl and Karaoke Experience: $169


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia 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 Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Manila.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manila or Reykjavik?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Manila or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Manila during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manila is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Manila or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Reykjavik. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Manila is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Manila or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Manila as well as Reykjavik. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Manila is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Manila or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Manila

Manila Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)