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

Should you visit Reykjavik or Dallas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Dallas, 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. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Dallas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dallas is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Reykjavik different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dallas 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 Dallas?

Dallas is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dallas can be an interesting and educational experience. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dallas 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 Dallas. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

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

Dallas has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. 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.

Dallas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Dallas?

Dallas is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Reykjavik or Dallas Better for Families?

Reykjavik and Dallas are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Dallas is a very kid-friendly city. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Reykjavik or Dallas Better for Couples?

Reykjavik and Dallas are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Reykjavik makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

Is Reykjavik or Dallas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is very good for backpackers. However, Dallas is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Reykjavik is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Dallas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there are a couple of hostels around town, this isn't a popular destination for the backpacker crowd.

Is Reykjavik or Dallas Better for Students?

Reykjavik is very good for students. However, Dallas is not a good city for its student-friendly activities.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for 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.

Dallas is a decent spot for students. There are a couple of universities and colleges in the area that keep things interesting for students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Reykjavik and Dallas.

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

You'll find some public transit in Dallas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Reykjavik or Dallas a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

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

Dallas is generally not a very walkable city. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Reykjavik or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Reykjavik due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reykjavik than Dallas 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 Reykjavik.

One day in Reykjavik or Dallas?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Dallas. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Reykjavik or Dallas?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Dallas. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Reykjavik or Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the clean 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.

Dallas is a popular choice for travelers. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Dallas. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Dallas because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Reykjavik is much colder than Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Reykjavik in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dallas. In the summer, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 337 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets less rain in July than Dallas. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In October, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 5°C (41°F), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Dallas. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during autumn. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Dallas. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Dallas in the Winter?

Both Dallas and Reykjavik during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. Reykjavik is much colder than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In the winter, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Dallas. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dallas receives 183 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Dallas. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the spring, Reykjavik is much colder than Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Reykjavik in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dallas this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Dallas during spring. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Dallas receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Dallas. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Reykjavik