Is Iceland Expensive?

Is Iceland expensive to visit?

Considered a popular destination, Iceland is a moderately priced country for travelers. When compared to the rest of Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced country to visit. It ranks in the top 50% of countries in Europe for its travel costs, and this places it in line with destinations such as Greece and Luxembourg.

Iceland has popular destinations that attract plenty of visitors. One of the most expensive places to visit is Reykjavik. For more affordability, you can visit Akureyri.


Average daily price of selected cities in Iceland, by affordability
City Average Daily Cost
Reykjavik $284
Hofn $187
Akureyri $176


Godafoss Waterfall

How expensive is Iceland?

Travelers spend an average of $242 per day when visiting Iceland (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. However, you can keep close to this average, or even travel cheaper if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Iceland here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Iceland?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Iceland will cost around $1,694 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $3,388.

How expensive is a two week trip to Iceland?

On average, a two week trip to Iceland costs about $3,388 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a two week trip costs $6,776.

How expensive is a month long trip to Iceland?

A one month trip to Iceland costs about $7,260 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one month trip costs $14,520.



Reykjavik, Iceland

Is it expensive to backpack in Iceland?

With more than 20 hostels around the country, Iceland is fairly popular with backpackers wanting to travel on a tight budget and meet up with others along the way. Hostels here cost an average of $48 per night for a bed in a dorm. (See hostel prices in Iceland here.) Many backpackers head to Reykjavik, Hafnarfjordur, and Akureyri. Typically, the most expensive hostels are in Reykjavik, which average $44 per night. On the other hand, the cheapest hostels are in Reykjavik which average $44 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Iceland.

  • $42 for a dorm bed at Bus Hostel Reykjavik in Reykjavik
  • $67 for a dorm bed at Hafnarstraeti Hostel in Akureyri

Where to find affordable hostels in Iceland
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Reykjavik 10 $44

Are hotels expensive in Iceland?

When it comes to hotel prices in Iceland, they are evenly priced compared to other countries in the world. On average, you can expect to spend about $150 per night for a comfortable room. It's essential to note that within Iceland, certain cities such as Husavik command a higher average price, reaching $271 per night. On the flip side, there are also more budget-friendly alternatives like Reykjavik, where hotel prices average $131 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Iceland
City Average Hotel Price
Husavik $271
Reykjahlid $198
Borgarnes $197
Seydisfjordur $190
Akureyri $187
Hella $160
Selfoss $159
Keflavik $154
Laugarvatn $136
Reykjavik $131

Hverfisgata 45, Reykjavik
Overall Rating 9.3
Dalbraut 2 East Fjords, Hofn
Overall Rating 8.9


Iceland

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Iceland?

In Iceland, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the country. On average, previous travelers have spent around $44 per day on sightseeing and entertainment.

  • Boat Tour in Vestmannaeyjar: $103
  • Small Group Tour of Valley of Tears and Highlands adventure: $255
  • Midnight Sun Kayaking Adventure by Mt. Kirkjufell: $133
  • Dog Sledding and Mushing Experience by Siberian Husky in Iceland: $243
  • Snowmobile Tour by Lake Mývatn: $221
  • Golden Circle Cruise Arrival: Exclusive Small Group Tour: $168
  • ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
  • Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour: $79

Is food expensive in Iceland?

In Iceland, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $61 per day on food, per person.

  • Reykjavik Food Tour - Supermarket Tour & Lunch at Microbrewery: $123
  • Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $138
  • Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215
  • Reykjavik: Christmas Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $147
  • The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $135

Is transportation expensive in Iceland?

Local transportation in Iceland can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $32 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

Expenses for intercity transportation within Iceland can vary based on the type of transportation used and the distance traveled. On average, previous travelers have spent $84 per person per day for intercity transit. To save money, it's advisable to choose long-distance buses or trains over air travel. This is generally a more cost-effective choice despite the potential increase in travel time.

More for Iceland

If you're planning a trip to Iceland, check out these other informative travel guides.



We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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