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

Should you visit Reykjavik or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Portland, 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 green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Portland

Portland is a progressive, quirky, and eclectic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, hiking, and shopping.

Reykjavik and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reykjavik or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portland than Reykjavik, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Portland is more popular for its museums, music, and small town charm, 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. Portland is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. It is also home to Washington Park.

How is Reykjavik different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

While most people don't head to Portland specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Reykjavik and Portland can be difficult as they are each decent in their own way.

Reykjavik offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Reykjavik or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Both Reykjavik and Portland have good 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Reykjavik or Portland Better for Music?

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

The music scene helps keep Portland active and fun. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Reykjavik or Portland Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Reykjavik or Portland?

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

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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Reykjavik or Portland Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Reykjavik or Portland Better for Couples?

Reykjavik is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Reykjavik or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portland is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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.

Is Reykjavik or Portland Better for Students?

Both Reykjavik and Portland are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Reykjavik and Portland.

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

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Reykjavik or Portland a more walkable city?

Reykjavik and Portland are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Reykjavik?

How long in Reykjavik or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Reykjavik and Portland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than in Portland. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Reykjavik, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

Families should spend more time in Reykjavik than Portland. 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 Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland.

One day in Reykjavik or Portland?

The beautiful city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find live music and shopping around the city of Portland. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Portland?

Reykjavik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Portland?

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the tree-lined city of Portland. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Reykjavik or Portland?

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Portland is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Portland?

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

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 Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Reykjavik is much colder than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Portland. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Reykjavik during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the autumn, Reykjavik is much colder than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reykjavik in October average around 5°C (41°F), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Portland. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Portland. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Portland. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around -0°C (32°F), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Portland during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Portland. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Reykjavik or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Portland. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. Reykjavik is much colder than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Portland. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Portland. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Reykjavik