Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Reykjavik or Ottawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayReykjavik $246Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $246, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $139Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $278Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik or Ottawa? 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 and Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $46Ottawa $7.27
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: $160
- The Blue Lagoon Comfort Package Including Transfer from Reykjavik: $167
- Sky Lagoon Entry with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers from Reykjavik: $115
- Skarfabakki Cruise Port to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
- Skarfabakki Cruise Port Transfers To/From Keflavik Airport.: $161
- Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Sky Lagoon Admission with Transfer: $125
- Roundtrip Bus Transfer to the Blue Lagoon: $45
- Private Transfer to/from Keflavík Airport: $169
- Private Luxury Airport Transfer Service: $280
- Private Airport Transfer - RVK to KEF: $54
- Private Airport Transfer: $167
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Reykjavik or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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
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Food Meals for one dayReykjavik $30Ottawa $17
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)$178
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Reykjavik $72Ottawa $40
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:
- #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos: $145
- 1 hour Reykjavík E Scooter Adventure: $66
- 1 hour Reykjavík E-Scooter Adventure: $64
- 1-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik: $131
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $438
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- 1hr Buggy Adventure & Whale Watching from Reykjavik: $289
- 1hr Buggy Adventure from Reykjavik: $172
- 2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: $169
- 2hr Buggy 'Lava Field Adventure' from Reykjavik: $219
- 3-Hour Private Discover Reykjavik Photography Tour: $172
- 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayReykjavik $28Ottawa $18
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$8.79
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reykjavik and Ottawa, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe and Ottawa 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 Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Ottawa?
Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
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 Reykjavik or Ottawa in the Summer?
Both Ottawa and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Ottawa. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyReykjavik 11°C (52°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Ottawa in the Autumn?
Both Ottawa and Reykjavik during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Reykjavik is much colder than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Reykjavik usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberReykjavik 5°C (41°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Ottawa in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Ottawa. The winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the winter, Reykjavik is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryReykjavik -0°C (32°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Ottawa in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Ottawa. The natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Reykjavik usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilReykjavik 3°C (38°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.