Which place is cheaper, Reykjavik or Sintra?
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 Sintra or Reykjavik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sintra or Reykjavik? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Sintra or Reykjavik?
Sintra
Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.
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 Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Sintra Prices
Portugal PricesReykjavik Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySintra €146Reykjavik €262
The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €146, while the average daily cost in Reykjavik is €262. 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 Sintra and Reykjavik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSintra €57Reykjavik €137
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSintra €114Reykjavik €274
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Reykjavik
Looking for a hotel in Sintra 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: Sintra Hotel Prices and Reykjavik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sintra €21Reykjavik €45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:
- Transfer From Lisbon To Albufeira Algarve: $269
- Transfer From Lisboa to Nazaré: $132
- Transfer From Lisboa To Portimão Algarve: $299
- Transfer From Lisboa To Faro Algarve: $299
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $119
- Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(3pax): $107
- Tours and Transfers: $98
- TRANSFER Cascais to Lisbon Airport: $89
- Private Transfer To & From Lisbon: $35
- Private Transfer From Lisbon Airport to/from Cascais: $84
- Private San Francisco Transfer: $232
- Lisbon: Private Transfer to Sintra: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavík and Reykjavik Center: $31
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik City one way: $31
- Airport Express Shared Departure transfer from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport: $31
- Iceland: Airport Transfers between Keflavik and Reykjavik Hotels: $40
- Airport Transfer in Iceland from Reykjavik City to Keflavik Airport with Hotel Pick Up: $42
- Private Transfers in Iceland: $45
- Private Transfer to Sky Lagoon from Reykjavik Keflavik: $49
- Blue Lagoon Return Bus Transfer from Reykjavik: $51
- Blue Lagoon Transfer from/to Keflavik International Airport: $58
- Reykjavik Airport (RKV) to Skálafell - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
- Skálafell to Reykjavik Airport (RKV) - Departure Private Transfer: $62
- Reykjavík/Keflavík–Blue Lagoon, Silica & Retreat Transfer: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Reykjavik?
Prices for flights to both Reykjavik and Sintra 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 daySintra €73Reykjavik €51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sintra.
- Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car: $103
- Boho Chic Picnic Dinner with Water Views: $109
- DINNER OR TAPAS in a Poruguese Home : $113
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience: $120
- Pastel de Nata or Portuguese Cooking Class in Sintra with Locals: $140
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)€174
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Weekend Reykjavik Food Tour with a stop at the Reykjavik Flea Market: $143
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sintra €23Reykjavik €71
Tours and Activities in Sintra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sintra are as follows:
- E-Bike Self Guided Tour Sintra & Cabo da Roca : $57
- 19th Century Photography Experience: $48
- 2 Hours Guided Tuk Tuk Tour in Sintra: $78
- 4 hour tour | Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca: $66
- 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $167
- Almada’s Tale: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Boat tour: charming Cascais Coast to Lisbon lighthouse: $57
- Cascais Coastal EBike Tour: $66
- Cascais Coastal Secrets 90 Minute Cruise with Free Wine and Beer: $57
- Cascais Electric Bike Tour Self-Guided Half-Day Experience: $72
- Cascais to Lisbon Sunset Cruise with Open Bar: $57
- Cascais: Glamour and Decay by The Lisbon Coastline - Private Tour: $36
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€11
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Wine and Spa€29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Reykjavik Viking Roots to Modern Marvels Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- Settlement and Egils Saga Exhibition Ticket: $30
- Northern Lights: Aurora Basecamp Observatory Guided Experience: $30
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: $32
- Saga Museum - Entrance ticket: $32
- Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon Self-Guided Driving Tour: $34
- Reykjavik Escape Game Experience - Prison Break 1: $45
- Reykjavík Shared Tuk Tuk Tour: $50
- Walking tour of Reykjavik city: $51
- Lava Show Reykjavik Admission Ticket - Optional Premium Upgrade : $55
- Reykjavik Folklore Walking Tour: Meet the Elves, Trolls & Ghosts of Iceland: $55
- Classic Puffin Watching Cruise from Downtown Reykjavík: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySintra €17Reykjavik €27
Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:
- Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $84
- Wine Tasting Tour: $89
- Half Day in Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Wine Tasting: $90
- From Sintra, Mafra, or Ericeira: Hike and Wine Tour: $100
- Lisbon Region Wine Tour: Mafra & Ericeira + Hotel Pick-Up: $197
- PRIVATE TOUR WINE TASTING QUINTA BACALHÔA & JOSÉ MARIA FONSECA (Setubal Region): $233
- Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $316
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€8.60
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting with Master Distiller: $35
- Flóki Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting in Reykjavík: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sintra and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Sintra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sintra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sintra 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 Sintra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sintra Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sintra or Reykjavik?
Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra 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 Sintra or Reykjavik?
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.
Should I visit Sintra or Reykjavik in the Summer?
Both Reykjavik and Sintra during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Sintra is much warmer than Reykjavik in the summer. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Sintra. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.
Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySintra 23°C (73°F)Reykjavik 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Reykjavik in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Reykjavik. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Sintra is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sintra in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Sintra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSintra 19°C (66°F)Reykjavik 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Reykjavik in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Reykjavik. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In January, Sintra is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 12°C (53°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
In the winter, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.
Sintra receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sintra usually gets more rain in January than Reykjavik. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySintra 12°C (53°F)Reykjavik -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Sintra or Reykjavik in the Spring?
Both Reykjavik and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. Sintra is much warmer than Reykjavik in the spring. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Sintra usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSintra 16°C (60°F)Reykjavik 3°C (38°F)
Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Sintra
| Sintra | Reykjavik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.