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

Should you visit Minsk or Reykjavik?

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

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

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Minsk?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, 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 Minsk and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minsk $32
    Reykjavik $138
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minsk $64
    Reykjavik $276
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Minsk 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 Minsk


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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minsk $12
    Reykjavik $45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $27
  • Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer: $27
  • Iceland: Airport Transfer Between Reykjavík Center and Keflavík : $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: $28
  • Keflavík Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik: $29
  • Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $29
  • Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $30
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $36
  • Airport Express Shared Departure Transfer from Reykjavik Hotels to Keflavik Airport: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Minsk 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
    Minsk $21
    Reykjavik $30

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

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


  • 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: $141
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minsk $20
    Reykjavik $71

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

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


  • Art Museum
    $11
  • 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: $3.20
  • Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $7.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
  • Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $17
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
  • Skip the Line: The National Museum of Iceland Ticket: $18
  • Tales from Iceland Admission Ticket: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minsk $14
    Reykjavik $28

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Minsk or Reykjavik?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk or Reykjavik?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Minsk or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Minsk during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In July, Minsk is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 19°C (66°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Minsk. In the summer, Minsk often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minsk 19°C (66°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Reykjavik. 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. Minsk is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Minsk usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Minsk usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minsk 8°C (47°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Reykjavik. Additionally, 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 Minsk. In the winter, Minsk is much colder than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minsk in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Minsk often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minsk -5°C (22°F) 
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Minsk is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (46°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Minsk usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Minsk usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minsk 8°C (46°F) 
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Minsk

Minsk Reykjavik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)