A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malmo vs. Reykjavik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Malmo or Reykjavik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Malmo 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: Malmo or Reykjavik?

Malmo

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.

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 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Malmo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Malmo is $115, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is $307. 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 Malmo and Reykjavik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malmo $55
    Reykjavik $160
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malmo $110
    Reykjavik $320
Compare Hotels in Malmo and Reykjavik

Looking for a hotel in Malmo 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.

Hotels in Malmo


Hotels in Reykjavik


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: Malmo Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malmo $9.11
    Reykjavik $52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

Also for Malmo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $167
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $105
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $57
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $68
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $136
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
  • Malmö City to Copenhagen hotel/address Private Departure Transfer: $134

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik

Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Reykjavik - Private airport transfer to KEF Airport: $125
  • Sky Lagoon Ticket with 7-Step Ritual and Transfers from Reykjavik: $143
  • Skarfabakki Cruise Port to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $121
  • Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
  • Private Transfer from/to Blue Lagoon in Iceland: $90
  • Cruise Port Transfer to/from Keflavik Airport: $202
  • Reykjavik to Keflavik Airport (KEF) - Departure Private Transfer: $111
  • Reykjavik Transfer to Blue Lagoon: $164
  • Reykjavik Airport(RKV) to Skálafell - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $124
  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Hveragerdi - Arrival Private Transfer: $246
  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Grindavík - Arrival Private Transfer: $246
  • Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Bláfjöll - Arrival Private Transfer: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Malmo or Reykjavik?

Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Malmo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Malmo $51
    Reykjavik $60

Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner (Fish Market)
    $204

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Reykjavik Harbor Food Tour: $145
  • 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $149
  • Private Vegetarian Reykjavik Food Tour: $195
  • Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $215

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malmo $18
    Reykjavik $83

Tours and Activities in Malmo

For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Copenhagen and Hamlet Tour: $143
  • Guided Walking Tour in Malmö: $45
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67
  • Malmö Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Malmo Walking Tour, 3 hours (small group): $72
  • Old Town Helsingborg: Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour: $7.16
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $8.63

Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Museum
    $12
  • Wine and Spa
    $34

Tours and Activities in Reykjavik

For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Days Tour in South Coast and Golden Circle with Chinese Guide: $163
  • Private Reykjavík Tuk Tuk Tour: $255
  • Reykjavik Christmas Walking Tour: $89
  • 1 Hour ATV Quad Tour : Pick up from Reykjavik (2 persons per ATV): $130
  • 1 hour Buggy adventure - From Reykjavik: $219
  • 1+ hour Private Horse riding tour from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær: $143
  • 9pm Whale Watching Cruise in the Arctic Sun: $99
  • ATV Reykjavik Adventure: $165
  • Adventure in Landmannalaugar and Hot Springs - Reykjavík & Hella: $215
  • Black Beach ATV - QUAD Tour: $131
  • Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour Including Admission : $231
  • Cold & Hot: Adventure Spa Tour Combo: Silfra & Sky Lagoon Self-Drive: $285

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malmo $41
    Reykjavik $32

Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:


  • Beer
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:

  • Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $49

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malmo and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Malmo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malmo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malmo 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 Malmo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Malmo Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Malmo or Reykjavik?

Malmo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Malmo 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 Malmo 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 Malmo or Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Malmo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In July, Malmo is generally a little warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Malmo average around 17°C (62°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malmo. Malmo usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Malmo gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malmo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Malmo gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malmo 17°C (62°F) 
    Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Malmo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, 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. Malmo is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malmo averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Malmo often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Malmo gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Malmo usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Malmo gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malmo 10°C (50°F) 
    Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Malmo or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malmo and Reykjavik. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.


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