Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Reykjavik or San Jose?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik or San Jose, 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 San Jose?
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.
San Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayReykjavik $246San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $246, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. 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 San Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $139San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $278San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik or San Jose? 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 San Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $46San Jose $19
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers to Occidental Papagayo - Secrets Resort, Round-Trip: $130
- Transfer to Los Sueños Marriot Playa Herradura from San Jose or Airport: $215
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from SanJose Juan Santamaría Airport to SanJose City: $39
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) to Quepos Cruise Port: $72
- Transfer TO & FROM SJO Airport to Esterillos - Bejuco Not Shared.: $180
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer Costa Rica SJO Airport To OR From Hotels nearby Private : $45
- Transfer Airport area to Manuel Antonio Hotels Private One Way: $185
- Transfer Airport Area to Jaco Hotels Private One Way Transport: $150
- Shuttle & transfer rides to Jaco beach: $137
- Shared transfer to Manuel Antonio: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Reykjavik or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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 $30San Jose $18
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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Reykjavik $72San Jose $21
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 San Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayReykjavik $28San Jose $16
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 San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reykjavik and San Jose, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe and San Jose is in Central 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 San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose 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 San Jose.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Reykjavik Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or San Jose?
San Jose has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik and San Jose, 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 San Jose?
Reykjavik has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Reykjavik or San Jose in the Summer?
Both San Jose and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Reykjavik is much colder than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
Reykjavik usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than San Jose. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyReykjavik 11°C (52°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or San Jose in the Autumn?
Both San Jose and Reykjavik during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. In the autumn, Reykjavik is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reykjavik in October average around 5°C (41°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberReykjavik 5°C (41°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or San Jose in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and San Jose. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In January, Reykjavik is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around -0°C (32°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than San Jose. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryReykjavik -0°C (32°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or San Jose in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as San Jose. Many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. Reykjavik is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Reykjavik usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilReykjavik 3°C (38°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.