Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Reykjavik or Saint Thomas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or Saint Thomas, 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 Thomas?
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 Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Reykjavik Prices
Iceland PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayReykjavik $298Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $298, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $155Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $310Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik or Saint Thomas? 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 Saint Thomas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $51Saint Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private 7-hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $1,831
- Landmannalaugar Super Jeep All Year Transfer: $1,702
- Silver Circle Tour & Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $1,386
- Private 4-Hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $1,221
- Private 3-Hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $977
- Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $613
- From Skarfabakki: Blue Lagoon Round-Trip Transfer: $524
- Blue Lagoon Luxury Spa with Private Transfer: $400
- From ATV Ride and Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer: $395
- Keflavik Airport (KEF): Transfer to Skarfabakki Cruise Port: $361
- Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Private Return Transfer with Entrance: $343
- Premium Private Transfer from Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport!: $289
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vi Top Taxi and Tours Airport Transfer to the Ritz Carlton: $180
- Vi Top Taxi -St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- Vi Top Taxi - St. Thomas Airport Transfer to Wyndham Margaritaville: $180
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours -Airport Transfer Bluebeard's/Yacht Haven: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $80
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $131
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
- St.Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $262
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Westin/Buoy Haus/Marriott: $134
- St. Thomas Airport (STT) to St.Thomas - Arrival Private Transfer: $94
- St Thomas Airport Private Transfers to Bouy haus: $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Reykjavik or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $58Saint Thomas $94
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)$198
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbor Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $137
- Food Tour by locals: $140
- Authentic Reykjavik Food Tour with Flea Market Delights: $146
- Icelandic Food Tour: $147
- The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $147
- Reykjavík Food Tour with 5 Authentic Local Tastings & Secret Dish: $151
- Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics: $154
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $171
- Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $171
- Reykjavík All In One Food Tour - Eat, Drink & Explore with Locals: $203
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $241
- Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $241
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- St. James Snorkel & Pizza Pi Lunch: $90
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Ritz-Carlton: $129
- Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour: $145
- Pizza Pi Party- Snorkel & Sunset Cruise: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Reykjavik $80Saint Thomas $60
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$12
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Wine and Spa$32
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1+ hour Private Horse riding tour from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær: $168
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $553
- 1-Hour Small Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar: $162
- 1.5 Hour Buggy Tour from Reykjavik – Off-Road Adventure: $219
- 1.5 hour ATV Mountain Peak adventure with pickup from Reykjavik: $149
- 2-Hour Buggy Adventure Tour out off Reykjavik: $264
- 2.5 hour Twin Peaks ATV Adventure with pickup from Reykjavik: $179
- 2hr ATV adventure with Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $162
- 3-Hour Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure From Reykjavik: $339
- A Self-Guided Thingvellir National Park Walking Tour: $9.99
- Aurora by Boat Reykjavik Adventure: $85
- Become the Hunter Live Self Drive Aurora Hunting Experience: $81
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- #1 St. Thomas Ghost Tour – Virgin Island's Original Haunted Tour: $41
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Aerial Sightseeing Adventure!: $250
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure: $99
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $169
- Coral Reef and Turtle Discovery Tour: $159
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Port Shuttle to St John Ferry: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayReykjavik $31Saint Thomas $27
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$9.76
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $48
- Craft Beer and Brewery Tour in Iceland: $48
- Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $48
- Reykjavík Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Games: $115
- Icelandic Bar Crawl Experience: $159
When comparing the travel costs between Reykjavik and Saint Thomas, 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 Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Saint Thomas?
Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and Saint Thomas, 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 Thomas?
Reykjavik has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Thomas experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Reykjavik or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Saint Thomas. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Reykjavik is much colder than Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyReykjavik 11°C (52°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Saint Thomas. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Reykjavik is much colder than Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reykjavik in October average around 5°C (41°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in October than Saint Thomas. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberReykjavik 5°C (41°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In January, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around -0°C (32°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryReykjavik -0°C (32°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. Reykjavik is much colder than Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Reykjavik usually gets less rain in April than Saint Thomas. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilReykjavik 3°C (38°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.