Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Moscow and Reykjavik. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Moscow or Reykjavik?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoscow $62Reykjavik $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $62, 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 Moscow and Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $39Reykjavik $138
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $78Reykjavik $276
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moscow $6.06Reykjavik $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Umban Sari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $50
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Tengah to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tengkerang Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Tanah Datar to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Tampan to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Sri Meranti to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $64
- Private Transfer from Solok to Padang Airport (PDG): $133
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru City to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $42
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Wonorejo: $42
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Tangkerang Labuai: $40
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Sri Meranti: $67
- Private Transfer from Pekanbaru Airport (PKU) to Simpang Tiga: $42
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: $102
- The Blue Lagoon Comfort Package Including Transfer from Reykjavik: $167
- Sky Lagoon Spa Experience with Private Transfer from Reykjavík: $192
- Sky Lagoon Entry with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers from Reykjavik: $115
- Skarfabakki Cruise Port to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
- Skarfabakki Cruise Port Transfers To/From Keflavik Airport.: $161
- Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Skálafell to Keflavik Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Roundtrip Bus Transfer to the Blue Lagoon: $45
- Private Transfer to/from Keflavík Airport: $169
- Private Luxury Airport Transfer Service: $277
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Moscow 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 dayMoscow $14Reykjavik $30
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$5.89
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.21
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Breakfast for 2$11
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: $122
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $127
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market Visit & Lunch Food Tour - Tastes of Iceland: $141
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - Tastes of Iceland: $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.Moscow $16Reykjavik $71
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$12
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
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: $57
- 1-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik: $131
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $433
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- 1hr ATV Adventure & Caving from Reykjavik: $260
- 2hr Buggy 'Lava Field Adventure' from Reykjavik: $219
- 3-Hour Private Discover Reykjavik Photography Tour: $171
- 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
- ATV - QUAD Adventure: $174
- Black Beach ATV - QUAD Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.79Reykjavik $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 Moscow and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Moscow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moscow 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 Moscow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Reykjavik?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 Moscow 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 Moscow or Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Moscow is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In July, Moscow usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMoscow 19°C (67°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik and Moscow during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the autumn, Moscow is a little warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Moscow in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 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 OctoberMoscow 6°C (43°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Reykjavik. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. The weather in Moscow can be very cold. In January, Moscow is generally much colder than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around -8°C (17°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
In January, Moscow usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMoscow -8°C (17°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Reykjavik. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Moscow is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Moscow usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 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 AprilMoscow 7°C (45°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Moscow
| Moscow | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 mm (2 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.