Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Turku?
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 Turku or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turku or Reykjavik, 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: Turku or Reykjavik?
Turku
Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.
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 Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Turku Prices
Finland PricesReykjavik Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTurku €159Reykjavik €261
The average daily cost (per person) in Turku is €159, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €261. 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 Turku and Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTurku €76Reykjavik €136
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTurku €152Reykjavik €272
Compare Hotels in Turku and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Turku 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: Turku Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Turku €44Reykjavik €44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Turku
Also for Turku, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Turku Private Transfer from Turku city centre to Turku airport: $96
- Turku Private Transfer from Turku (TKU) Airport to City centre: $96
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!: $294
Is it cheaper to fly into Turku or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Turku 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 dayTurku €56Reykjavik €51
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)€173
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
- Harbor Cruise with Three Course Dinner from Reykjavik: $139
- Food Tour by locals: $140
- Authentic Reykjavik Food Tour with Flea Market Delights: $146
- Icelandic Food Tour: $147
- The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $147
- Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $149
- 3-Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
- Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Icelandic Classics: $154
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $171
- Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $171
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $241
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Turku €22Reykjavik €70
Tours and Activities in Turku
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Turku.
- Experience Turku with a local guide: $283
- Järvelä Sauna Experience in the Turku Archipelago: $19
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€10
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Wine and Spa€28
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Tour : Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $142
- 1+ hour Private Horse riding tour from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær: $171
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $553
- 1-Hour Small Group Sightseeing Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar: $165
- 2 Hours Whale Watching Express Adventure: $94
- 2-Hour Buggy Adventure Tour out off Reykjavik: $264
- 2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: $195
- 2hr ATV adventure with Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $165
- 3 Days Tour in South Coast and Golden Circle with Chinese Guide: $160
- 3-Hour Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure From Reykjavik: $339
- A Self-Guided Thingvellir National Park Walking Tour: $8.99
- Arctic Evening Whale Watching Experience: $99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTurku €12Reykjavik €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€8.54
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Eimverk Distillery Guided Tour with Tasting: $48
- Craft Beer and Brewery Tour in Iceland: $48
- Icelandic Bar Crawl and Karaoke Experience: $169
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Turku and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Turku much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Turku would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Turku 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 Turku.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Turku Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Turku or Reykjavik?
Turku has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku 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 Turku or Reykjavik in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Reykjavik. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
In July, Turku is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 16°C (61°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Turku, it's very sunny this time of the year. Turku usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Turku usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTurku 16°C (61°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Turku or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Turku as well as Reykjavik. Additionally, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Turku is a little warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 6°C (43°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the autumn, Turku often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.
Turku usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 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 OctoberTurku 6°C (43°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Turku or Reykjavik in the Winter?
Both Reykjavik and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Turku. In the winter, Turku is much colder than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Turku in January average around -6°C (20°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
Turku usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Turku usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTurku -6°C (20°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Turku or Reykjavik in the Spring?
Both Reykjavik and Turku during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. Turku can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Turku is generally cooler than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Turku average around 3°C (37°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the spring, Turku often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.
Turku usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 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 AprilTurku 3°C (37°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Turku
| Turku | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -6°C (20°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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 | -3°C (27°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (58°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 16°C (61°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 15°C (59°F) | 83 mm (3.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (51°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (33°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | -4°C (25°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.