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

Should you visit Melaka or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Melaka 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: Melaka or Reykjavik?

Melaka

Melaka (or Malacca) is a large city on the western coast of Malaysia about half way between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This historical city grew up as a result of trading in the region due to its position on the namesake Straights of Malacca, a natural waterway formed from the peninsula of Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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 Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Melaka?

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 Melaka is $33, 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 Melaka and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Melaka $9.67
    Reykjavik $155
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Melaka $19
    Reykjavik $310
Compare Hotels in Melaka and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Melaka 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 Melaka


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: Melaka Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Melaka $2.12
    Reykjavik $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melaka

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Melaka are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $4.83
  • Bus Ride
    $0.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melaka

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

  • ~Chauffeur: Malacca to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $284
  • Private Transfer from Malacca Port to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL): $64
  • Private Transfer from Malacca Cruise Port to Subang Jaya city: $232
  • Private Transfer from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Malacca Port: $64
  • Private Transfer : Taman Negara Kuala Tahan to Cameron Highlands: $170
  • Malacca Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $73
  • Malacca City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Hotels 1-way Transfer: $43
  • Chauffeur: Malacca to Mersing Transfer [Van]: $80
  • Chauffeur: Malacca to Desaru Transfer [Car]: $238
  • Chauffeur: Malacca to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Van]: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Private 7-hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $1,831
  • Landmannalaugar Super Jeep All Year Transfer: $1,702
  • Silver Circle Tour & Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $1,386
  • Private 4-Hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $1,221
  • Private 3-Hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $977
  • Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $613
  • From Skarfabakki: Blue Lagoon Round-Trip Transfer: $524
  • Blue Lagoon Luxury Spa with Private Transfer: $400
  • From ATV Ride and Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer: $395
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF): Transfer to Skarfabakki Cruise Port: $361
  • Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Private Return Transfer with Entrance: $343
  • Premium Private Transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport!: $289

Is it cheaper to fly into Melaka or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Melaka 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
    Melaka $21
    Reykjavik $58
Typical Food Prices in Melaka

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Melaka:


  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $7.25
  • Dinner at the Market (for Two)
    $3.14
  • Asam Pedas (Fish Curry)
    $1.45
  • Taiwanese Noodle Soup
    $1.21
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $7.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melaka

For Melaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Melaka Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
  • Rempah Routes Melaka Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
  • Small Group Melaka After Dark Food Tour: $75
  • Private Traditional Peranakan & Malay Cooking Class in Melaka: $95

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

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


  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Melaka $4.10
    Reykjavik $80
Typical Entertainment Prices in Melaka

For Melaka, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Maritime Museum Entrance
    $0.73
  • Taming Sari Revolving Tower Entrance
    $4.83
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $11
  • Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum Entrance
    $2.42
  • Melaka Zoo Entrance
    $1.69
  • Low Cost Kite
    $0.73
  • Malacca Duck Tour
    $9.67
  • Melaka River Cruise (One Hour)
    $2.42

Tours and Activities in Melaka

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Melaka.

  • *13 Hrs Best of Melaka Full Day Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $83
  • Essential Self-Guided Tour of it's UNESCO Heritage Centre: $15
  • From Kuala Lumpur Full Day A'Famosa Theme Park Experience: $40
  • Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
  • Malacca City To Kuala Lumpur City En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
  • Malacca Hotels To Kuala Lumpur Hotels En-route Putrajaya Tour: $49
  • Malacca Instagram Tour: Top Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $328
  • Malacca Shore Excursion with Tour Guide & Baba Nyonya Lunch: $182
  • Malacca To Kuala Lumpur EN-ROUTE Putrajaya City Tour: $61
  • Malaysia Melaka - Breakout Escape Game E-Ticket: $12
  • Malaysia: A'famosa Melaka Ticket: $17
  • Malaysia: Melaka Upside Down House Entry Ticket: $7.13

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
    $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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Melaka $8.38
    Reykjavik $31

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

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


  • 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 Melaka and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Melaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Melaka 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 Melaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Melaka 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 Melaka.

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


Which is Bigger, Melaka or Reykjavik?

Melaka has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Melaka 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.