Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Saint Petersburg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik?
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a beautiful city that sits on the eastern edge of the Baltic Sea. Its historical city center is threaded with canals and architecturally impressive buildings, leaving little doubt as to why this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second largest city in Russia, but perhaps a favorite among travelers. The metropolitan area has a population of over 5 million as well as an impressive culture with fascinating museums, restaurants, and architecture. The city has no shortage of sights and attractions, and many days can be passed while you wander its intricate streets.
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.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySaint Petersburg $63Reykjavik $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Petersburg is $63, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $243. 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 Saint Petersburg and Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSaint Petersburg $36Reykjavik $138
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSaint Petersburg $72Reykjavik $276
Compare Hotels in Saint Petersburg and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Saint Petersburg $7.29Reykjavik $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Petersburg
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint Petersburg:
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Metro Passes$1.34
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: $159
- The Lava Tunnel Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik: $103
- 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
- Sky Lagoon Admission with Transfer: $124
- Roundtrip Bus Transfer to the Blue Lagoon: $45
- Private Transfer to/from Keflavík Airport: $169
- Private Luxury Airport Transfer Service: $278
- Private Airport Transfer to Keflavik : $165
- Private Airport Transfer - RVK to KEF: $53
Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Saint Petersburg 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 daySaint Petersburg $18Reykjavik $30
Typical Food Prices in Saint Petersburg
For Saint Petersburg, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.61
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)$176
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Icelandic Food Tour: $123
- Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $125
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $127
- 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: $144
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour: $145
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Saint Petersburg $18Reykjavik $71
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:
- WWII History Tour with a 1940's British Officer in Reykjavik: $148
- #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos: $145
- 1 hour Reykjavík E-Scooter Adventure: $58
- 1-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik: $131
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $435
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- 1hr Buggy Adventure from Reykjavik: $172
- 2hr Buggy 'Lava Field Adventure' from Reykjavik: $219
- 3-Hour Private Discover Reykjavik Photography Tour: $172
- 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
- ATV - QUAD Adventure: $174
- Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík & Hella: $174
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySaint Petersburg $9.68Reykjavik $28
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$8.67
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Petersburg and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Saint Petersburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint Petersburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Petersburg Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik?
Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Saint Petersburg and Reykjavik, 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 Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik?
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 Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik and Saint Petersburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Saint Petersburg is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 18°C (64°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Saint Petersburg gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Saint Petersburg usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Saint Petersburg gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySaint Petersburg 18°C (64°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
Both Reykjavik and Saint Petersburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Saint Petersburg is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Petersburg averages around 6°C (42°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the autumn, Saint Petersburg often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Saint Petersburg gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Saint Petersburg gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSaint Petersburg 6°C (42°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Petersburg and Reykjavik. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Saint Petersburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Petersburg is much colder than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Petersburg in January average around -8°C (18°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
Saint Petersburg usually receives less sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Saint Petersburg gets 22 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Saint Petersburg usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Saint Petersburg gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySaint Petersburg -8°C (18°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Saint Petersburg or Reykjavik in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Saint Petersburg as well as Reykjavik. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. The weather in Saint Petersburg can be very cold. In April, Saint Petersburg is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Saint Petersburg average around 4°C (40°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the spring, Saint Petersburg often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Saint Petersburg gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.
Saint Petersburg usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Saint Petersburg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSaint Petersburg 4°C (40°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Saint Petersburg
| Saint Petersburg | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (18°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 4°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (60°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (62°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (52°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (42°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (24°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.