A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reykjavik vs. Phoenix for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Reykjavik or Phoenix?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Phoenix, 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 friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Reykjavik and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Phoenix?

Both Phoenix and Reykjavik have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Reykjavik is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Phoenix is more popular for its museums and food. Reykjavik is more touristy than Phoenix and is known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Reykjavik different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Phoenix is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Phoenix. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

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 Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Both Reykjavik and Phoenix have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Reykjavik. 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.

Phoenix has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Reykjavik or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Phoenix offers some nice hiking trails. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Phoenix?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Reykjavik and Phoenix.

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.

Phoenix offers some nice shopping areas. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Reykjavik or Phoenix Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Reykjavik or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a great city for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Reykjavik is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Reykjavik or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known for backpackers.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Reykjavik or Phoenix Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

While Reykjavik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Reykjavik or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known for its walkability.

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

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Reykjavik and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than in Phoenix. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reykjavik than Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Phoenix. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Reykjavik or Phoenix?

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sprawling city of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Phoenix 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 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Reykjavik and Phoenix, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Phoenix?

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

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Phoenix. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 11°C (52°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Phoenix in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Phoenix. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Reykjavik is much colder than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in October than Phoenix. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Reykjavik is much colder than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reykjavik in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Phoenix. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Phoenix in the Spring?

Both Phoenix and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In April, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 3°C (38°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Reykjavik