Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Uppsala?
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 Uppsala or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Uppsala 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: Uppsala or Reykjavik?
Uppsala
Uppsala is a college town in Sweden, located about 40 minutes north of Stockholm. Home to two universities, Uppsala is the 4th largest city in Sweden and features a huge diversity in culture. The Fyris River divides the city into the historic and modern sides of the city, each one with their own unique culture and sights to see. The area features fairly cool weather year-round, with temperatures in the 30's Fahrenheit from November-April and May-October seeing temperatures in the 40's and 50's Fahrenheit. The best time to visit it from May-July when temperatures are at their highest and there's plenty of sunshine.
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 Sweden, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Uppsala Prices
Sweden PricesReykjavik Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUppsala $179Reykjavik $298
The average daily cost (per person) in Uppsala is $179, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $298. 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 Uppsala and Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUppsala $101Reykjavik $155
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUppsala $202Reykjavik $310
Compare Hotels in Uppsala and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Uppsala 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: Uppsala Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Uppsala $22Reykjavik $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uppsala
Also for Uppsala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Uppsala City to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) - Departure Private Transfer: $73
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Uppsala or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Uppsala 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 dayUppsala $62Reykjavik $58
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
- 3-Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Uppsala $21Reykjavik $80
Tours and Activities in Uppsala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Uppsala.
- 3h Uppsala city walking tour, Cathedral, university buildings etc: $206
- Adventure parc: $52
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Guided tour 90min at Old Uppsala mounds and old Uppsala church: $105
- Medieval horror, undead and dark folklore walk Uppsala city - open tour: $98
- Private 1h tour of famous Old Uppsala mounds and mediveal church: $146
- Self Guided Secrets of Uppsala Exploration Game Tour: $23
- Stockholm Viking History Full Day Tour to Sigtuna + Uppsala: $287
- Stockholm: Uppsala Half-Day Swedish Oxford & Cathedral Tour: $29
- Swedish Lifestyle and Private Walking Tour of Uppsala: $135
- The Best of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Uppsala : Kayaking or Canoeing Experience: $76
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 ATV Quad Tour : Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $139
- 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
- 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: $191
- 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: $8.99
- Aurora by Boat Reykjavik Adventure: $85
- Become the Hunter Live Self Drive Aurora Hunting Experience: $115
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUppsala $19Reykjavik $31
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$9.77
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
- Icelandic Bar Crawl and Karaoke Experience: $169
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Uppsala and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Uppsala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Uppsala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Uppsala 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 Uppsala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Uppsala Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Uppsala or Reykjavik?
Uppsala has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Uppsala 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 Uppsala 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 Uppsala or Reykjavik in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Uppsala and Reykjavik. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
Uppsala is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Uppsala averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Uppsala, it's very sunny this time of the year. Uppsala usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Uppsala gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Uppsala usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Uppsala gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyUppsala 18°C (64°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Uppsala or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Uppsala 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. In the autumn, Uppsala is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Uppsala in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In the autumn, Uppsala often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Uppsala gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.
Uppsala usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Uppsala gets 50 mm (2 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 OctoberUppsala 8°C (46°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Uppsala or Reykjavik in the Winter?
Both Reykjavik and Uppsala 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 Uppsala. In January, Uppsala is generally much colder than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Uppsala average around -3°C (27°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
Uppsala usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Uppsala gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Uppsala usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Uppsala gets 39 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 JanuaryUppsala -3°C (27°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Uppsala or Reykjavik in the Spring?
Both Reykjavik and Uppsala 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. Uppsala is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Uppsala averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the spring, Uppsala often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Uppsala gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.
Uppsala usually gets less rain in April than Reykjavik. Uppsala gets 30 mm (1.2 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 AprilUppsala 5°C (41°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Uppsala
| Uppsala | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 5°C (41°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.