A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reykjavik vs. Boston for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Reykjavik or Boston?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Boston, 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.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Boston

Boston is a loyal, historic, and traditional city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Reykjavik and Boston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Boston?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boston than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Boston is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, historical sights, christmas markets, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Boston is popular for its enthusiastic sports fans, influential history, beautiful parks, and world-class universities. It is also home to The Freedom Trail.

How is Reykjavik different from Boston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boston and Reykjavik. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Reykjavik or Boston?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Boston from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city itself feels like a living museum. It is famous for Faneuil Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum, the USS Constitution, as well as the many sites along the Freedom Trail. There are also many museums on the campuses of the world renowned universities in the city.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Theater?

Boston is an excellent place to visit for theatre. However, Reykjavik is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Boston. The city has many historic, beautifully restored theaters where you can enjoy a show. Head to the theater district for some of the most famous venues.

Reykjavik is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Reykjavik or Boston? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boston is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Boston. There are many local dishes that utilize fresh caught seafood and comfort food flavors. The cuisine also takes advantage of the city's Italian and Irish populations. Famous local foods include New England Clam Chowder, lobster rolls, and baked beans. You'll find hearty sandwiches and filling meals that warm your soul.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Nightlife?

Boston is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Boston has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is known for its breweries, craft beer, and vibrant university neighborhoods. It also hosts regular outdoor movies and world class sporting events. The nightlife scene is varied, with some areas catering to the student population and other areas focused on the professional or sport-loving crowds.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Music?

Boston is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Boston active and fun. Popular music venues include Lizard Lounge, Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, and The Middle East.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Beaches?

Boston is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Boston is a good spot to see the beach. There are a few urban beaches in the greater Boston area that you can explore on a nice day.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for its Old Town?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Boston offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Boston is famous for its Freedom Trail, which takes visitors around the city's rich history. The oldest parts of the city are known as Boston Proper and include the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Historic Downtown, the North End, and the West End.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Boston is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Boston is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Boston?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Reykjavik and Boston.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Reykjavik. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Boston offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Back Bay for some of the best high end shops. There are luxury brands and boutique venues that sell local art or crafts.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Christmas?

Boston is an excellent place to visit for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Reykjavik does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Boston is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. Christmas comes to life in the city with its Christmas Trees, holiday shows, and festivals.

Reykjavik does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Christmas Markets?

Boston is an excellent place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Reykjavik does not offer Christmas markets.

The Christmas markets in Boston offer plenty to see during the holidays. There are a number of European style Christmas markets that pop up during the holiday season around town.

Reykjavik does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Families?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Boston is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with history, but there are also many activities for kids who need a break from all of the historical stuff. Popular activities for all ages include the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, and exploring the waterfront, gardens, and parks around town.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is notable for romance. Also, Boston is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Boston makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history will enjoy exploring the city. Take a swan boat ride in the Public Garden and wander the unique route along the Freedom Trail. There are also many sporting and entertainment options around town.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik and Boston are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Boston is a good city to visit for backpackers. Like most larger American cities, the city has a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Students?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Boston is a great destination for students. It is a city of students, with a number of world renowned universities located here including Harvard University, Boston College, and MIT. Many neighborhoods are filled with students and there are many student-centered activities around town including festivals and an active nightlife scene.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Is Reykjavik or Boston Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Boston is top-notch. There's the T, which is the subway, as well as a trolley, bus, and water transportation system.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Reykjavik or Boston a more walkable city?

Boston is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Boston. The many parks and compact neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting? and Is Boston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boston or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Boston?

In either Reykjavik or Boston, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Boston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Boston than Reykjavik. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 3-5 days is enough time in Boston.

Families should spend more time in Boston than Reykjavik. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Boston, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Boston than Reykjavik. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boston that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boston than Reykjavik if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Boston.

One day in Reykjavik or Boston?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Reykjavik or Boston?

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Reykjavik or Boston?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit Boston because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Reykjavik or Boston?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green destination of Reykjavik. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Boston is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Reykjavik and Boston, we can see that Boston is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Reykjavik is in Europe and Boston is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Boston?

Boston has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Boston, 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 Reykjavik or Boston?

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 Reykjavik or Boston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Boston. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Boston in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Reykjavik is much colder than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boston. In the summer, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Boston. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets less rain in July than Boston. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Boston in the Autumn?

Both Boston and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Boston for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Reykjavik is much colder than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reykjavik in October average around 5°C (41°F), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Boston during autumn. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Reykjavik usually receives around the same amount of rain as Boston. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Boston in the Winter?

Both Boston and Reykjavik during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Boston because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Boston can be very cold. Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. In January, Reykjavik is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around -0°C (32°F), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).

In the winter, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Boston. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Boston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Boston. The spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Boston this time of year.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Reykjavik is much colder than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boston this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Boston during spring. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Boston. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Boston and Reykjavik