Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Vilnius?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Reykjavik. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Vilnius is a surprising, undiscovered, and authentic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Vilnius than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vilnius is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Vilnius is famous for its authentic old town and long running history. It is also well known for Gediminas Castle Tower.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik and Vilnius. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Vilnius is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.
Vilnius is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.
Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.
Vilnius is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.
There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Vilnius. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).
Vilnius is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.
Vilnius has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.
Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.
Vilnius is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.
Many visitors go to Vilnius to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.
Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.
Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Vilnius is not a hiking destination.
Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.
Vilnius is not a hiking destination.
Both Vilnius and Reykjavik are nice shopping destinations.
Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.
Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.
Reykjavik is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.
Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.
Vilnius is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.
Reykjavik is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.
Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.
Vilnius is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.
Vilnius is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Vilnius is very popular with the backpacker crowd. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.
Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.
Vilnius and Reykjavik are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.
Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.
Plenty of students visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.
Both Vilnius and Reykjavik offer nice public transit options.
Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.
Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.
Reykjavik is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.
Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.
Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.
For even more information, also check out Is Vilnius Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.
In either Vilnius or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Vilnius because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.
Families should spend more time in Reykjavik than Vilnius. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Reykjavik, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Vilnius. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Reykjavik that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vilnius than Reykjavik if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Vilnius.
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Vilnius. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vilnius has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the surprising city of Vilnius. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Vilnius is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Vilnius is €94, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €230. 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 Vilnius and Reykjavik in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Vilnius 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vilnius:
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Vilnius 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Vilnius are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vilnius.
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Vilnius are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vilnius are as follows:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Vilnius from other travelers:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vilnius would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vilnius 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 Vilnius.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vilnius Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.
Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both Reykjavik and Vilnius during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Vilnius is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 18°C (65°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Vilnius. In the summer, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. Vilnius is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Reykjavik. The winter months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. The weather in Vilnius can be very cold. In the winter, Vilnius is much colder than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vilnius in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).
In the winter, Vilnius often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Reykjavik and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In April, Vilnius is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 7°C (45°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Vilnius usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Vilnius | Reykjavik | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | -5°C (23°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Feb | -4°C (26°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Mar | 1°C (33°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
May | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 18°C (65°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Sep | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Oct | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
Nov | 2°C (36°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Dec | -2°C (29°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |