A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reykjavik vs. Saint John's for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Reykjavik or Saint John's?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Saint John's, 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 Saint John's?

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.

Saint John's

If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.

St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.

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, Saint John's or Reykjavik?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $246, while the average daily cost in Saint John's is $222. 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 Saint John's in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reykjavik $139
    Saint John's $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reykjavik $278
    Saint John's $240
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Saint John's

Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik or Saint John's? 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 Saint Johns


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 $46
    Saint John's $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

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

  • Hveragerdi to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Deparure Private Transfer: $68
  • Airport Transfer (One way) between Keflavik and Reykjavik: $200
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City With Hotel Drop Off: $36
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $29
  • Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport One Way: $28
  • Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
  • Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket with Optional Private or Shared Transfer: $163
  • Blue Lagoon One Way Transfer: $185
  • Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $45
  • Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $476
  • Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $308
  • From Reykjavik Port: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $1,050

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:


  • Local Bus
    $1.52
  • Taxi From Airport
    $6.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:

  • VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $74
  • Shared Roundtrip Taxi Transfer from Antigua Airport to Royalton Antigua Resort: $45
  • Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
  • Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Island Hotels: $79
  • Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Airport (ANU): $50
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Airport (ANU) to St. John's Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $113
  • Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
  • Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $99
  • Private One-Way Antigua Airport Transfer To/From Antigua: $45
  • Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
  • Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax. Zone C: Hotels: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Reykjavik or Saint John's?

Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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 $30
    Saint John's $68
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

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


  • 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 Saint John's

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.

  • City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
  • Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
  • Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Reykjavik $72
    Saint John's $103
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    $11
  • 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:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Reykjavík: City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Reykjavik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Reykjavik Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Explore Reykjavik's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Citywalk Tour - Audioguide in English & German: $11
  • Skip the Line: Icelandic Museum of Rock 'n' Roll Admission Ticket: $11
  • Geothermal Energy Exhibition Entry Ticket: $18
  • Reykjavík: National Museum of Iceland Entry Ticket: $18
  • Was James Bond Icelandic? Ticket with One Hour Lecture: $23
  • Private audio guide of the island for self-exploration tour: $27

Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's

Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu
    $3.00

Tours and Activities in Saint John's

Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 6-Hours Guided Stingray Tour in the East Coast of Antigua: $161
  • Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $125
  • Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $190
  • Adventure Power Boat Tour Antigua and Private Laviscount Island: $170
  • Animal Lovers Dream Tour: $180
  • Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
  • Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $180
  • Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
  • Antigua Seafood Lunch Cruise From St. John's: $135
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
  • Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour: $110
  • Antigua Sunset Catamaran Cruise From St. John's: $116

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Reykjavik $28
    Saint John's $18
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

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


  • 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


When comparing the travel costs between Reykjavik and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint John's Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Saint John's?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's?

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

Should I visit Reykjavik or Saint John's in the Summer?

Both Saint John's and Reykjavik during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round.

In the summer, Reykjavik is much colder than Saint John's. Typically, the summer temperatures in Reykjavik in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint John's averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Saint John's. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 245 hours of full sun.

Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in July than Saint John's. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Saint John's in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Saint John's. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. In October, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around 5°C (41°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during autumn. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 217 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F) 
    Saint John's 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Saint John's in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Saint John's. The winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Reykjavik is much colder than Saint John's in the winter. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Saint John's fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. In the winter, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Saint John's. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 236 hours of full sun.

Reykjavik usually gets less rain in January than Saint John's. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Reykjavik -0°C (32°F) 
    Saint John's 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Reykjavik or Saint John's in the Spring?

Both Saint John's and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In the spring, Reykjavik is much colder than Saint John's. Typically, the spring temperatures in Reykjavik in April average around 3°C (38°F), and Saint John's averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint John's. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during spring. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. In April, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Reykjavik 3°C (38°F) 
    Saint John's 26°C (78°F)

Typical Weather for Saint John's and Reykjavik

Reykjavik Saint John's
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 76 mm (3 in) 24°C (76°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 25°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
May 7°C (44°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Jun 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Sep 8°C (46°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Oct 5°C (41°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Nov 1°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 220 mm (8.7 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)