So How Expensive Is Iceland Actually?

Iceland has a reputation of being expensive AF. A fact that puts a lot of people off from even visiting Iceland in the first place.

So I made it my mission to take note of every krona I spent on my 4 day trip to give you a glimpse into how expensive this gorgeous country actually is. Here’s the deets on the dollar:

Food.

Let’s start with the most important thing – food. How expensive is it to eat in the land of fire and ice?

Breakfast tally-up:

Gourmet buffet breakfast at KEX hostel =1800 krona / £9.95*

Croissant with butter, jam and cheese and a cappuccino at Reykjavik Roasters = 1220 krona / £6.75*

Strawberry smoothie at the Blue Lagoon = 950 krona / £5.25*

Average cost of breakfast = 1323 krona / £7.31*

 

Lunch tally-up:

A hotdog with all the toppings and sauces at the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand = 420 krona / £2.32*

A pizza and a bottle of water at the airport = 2280 krona / £12.60*

Beetroot and ricotta salad at KEX Hostel = 1950 krona / £10.78*

Average cost of lunch = 1550 krona / £8.57*

Dinner tally-up:

A burger and chips at Laundromat Cafe with a small glass of red wine = 3690 krona / £20.40*

Mushroom ravioli and a small lager at Rosso Pomodoro = 3840 krona / £21.22*

Burger and chips at KEX Hostel and a large beer = 3540 krona / £19.55*

Average cost of dinner = 3690 krona / £20.39*

 

Drinks and snacks tally-up:

Small kraft beer at Miscellar and friends = 1000 krona / £5.52*

Olives at the bar in KEX = 550 krona / £3.04*

Cup of tea and giant cookie at Babalu Cafe = 1040 krona / £5.75*

Large bottle of water from 1011 = 496 krona / £2.74*

A cup of tea at Stofan Kaffihus = 490 krona / £2.71*

Accommodation.

I stayed at KEX Hostel which from my review you may notice is quite upscale for a hostel. I also had a private room all to myself so the price was actually pretty steep for a backpacker at 17,900 krona per night, a splurge at £98.92* a night. But the dorms are a lot more affordable at 3,900 krona per night for a 16 bed dorm, aka £21.55*.

Attractions.

So what about all the fun stuff? How much did that set me back?

Attractions and Tours Tally-up

Entry up the Hallgrímskirkja church to see the beautiful views of Reykjavik = 900 krona / £4.97*

Blue Lagoon trip with Viator including entrance fee and return journey from hotel = £55.77

Olgerdin Brewery tour with Viator including hotel pickup = £36.33

Horseriding and Golden Circle trip with Reykjavik Excursions = 22,500 krona / £124.34*

Souvenir mug from Gullfoss = 1140 krona / £6.30*

Verdict.

So food-wise, you’re looking at £38.98 a day for 3 courses and a cup of tea. Which ok yes is a bit steep for a backpacker but that’s an average and it’s totally possible to do it cheaper. If you go for the cheapest option of the 3 courses and forego the tea, you’re looking at £27.12. Still not the cheapest place ever but more affordable than I thought it would be tbh.

The accommodation in a dorm room is also completely doable at £21.55 a night, similar prices to Australia hostels if I remember rightly. And for tours, ok the horseriding add-on to the Golden Circle really does hike the price up but that is a total splurge. The Golden Circle trip alone is a lot cheaper.

Overall, Iceland can be expensive at times but I completely think it’s possible to do it on the cheap, you just need to pack in as much as possible in a few days to make the most of it, so you don’t blow the budget!

What do you think of Iceland prices – to omuch or doable? Keen to know your thoughts. Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!

*All prices according to XE.com on 18.05.16