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

Should you visit Reykjavik or Havana?

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

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

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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, Havana or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik is $307, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Reykjavik and Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reykjavik $160
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reykjavik $320
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik or Havana? 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 Reykjavik


Hotels in Havana


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.
    Reykjavik $52
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $31
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $31
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $42
  • Alesund : Private Transfer to/from Ålesund Airport and City: $117
  • Arrival in Iceland - Private airport transfer from KEF Airport: $125
  • Bláfjöll to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Blue Lagoon Admission Including Return Transfers from Reykjavik: $206
  • Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $209
  • Blue Lagoon Private Transfer To and From Reykjavik/Keflavik: $155
  • Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $51
  • Blue Lagoon Transfer from/to Keflavik International Airport: $58
  • Cruise Port Private Transfer To and From Reykjavik Keflavik : $179

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Reykjavik or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana and Reykjavik 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
    Reykjavik $60
    Havana $18
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

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


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $204

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

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

  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $143
  • The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $145
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
  • Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reykjavik $83
    Havana $11
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
    $34

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Reykjavik Viking Roots to Modern Marvels Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Settlement and Egils Saga Exhibition Ticket: $30
  • Northern Lights: Aurora Basecamp Observatory Guided Experience: $30
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: $32
  • Saga Museum - Entrance ticket: $32
  • Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon Self-Guided Driving Tour: $34
  • Reykjavik Escape Game Experience - Prison Break 1: $45
  • Reykjavík Shared Tuk Tuk Tour: $50
  • Walking tour of Reykjavik city: $51
  • Lava Show Reykjavik Admission Ticket - Optional Premium Upgrade : $55
  • Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland: $55
  • Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Downtown Reykjavík: $60

Tours and Activities in Havana

Here are a few actual costs in Havana for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reykjavik $32
    Havana $5.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

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


  • Beer
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller: $35
  • Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $49

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Havana?

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

Reykjavik has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Reykjavik during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Reykjavik usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Havana. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Havana in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Havana. The autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Reykjavik is much colder than Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In October, Reykjavik usually receives around the same amount of rain as Havana. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Havana in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Havana. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In the winter, Reykjavik is much colder than Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in January than Havana. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Havana in the Spring?

Both Havana and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In April, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Havana. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Reykjavik

Reykjavik Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)