Galwayis 28% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (19/10) vs Reykjavik "Pricey" (18/10). Dorms avg $46/night vs $50/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇮🇪 Galway
🇮🇸 Reykjavik
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★7 hostels, avg 9.2 rating
★★★★★5 hostels, avg 9.3 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $202/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $130/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $4.54, dorms avg $46
★★★★★Coffee $6.10, dorms avg $50
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $7.66, 7 hostels
★★★★★Beer $12.40, 5 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇮🇪 Galway | 🇮🇸 Reykjavik | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $57 cheaper | $80 | $22/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $103 cheaper | $134 | $31/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $163 cheaper | $199 | $37/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇮🇪 Galway | 🇮🇸 Reykjavik |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $21.22 25% less | $28.46 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $53.05 13% less | $60.98 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $7.66 38% less | $12.40 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $4.54 26% less | $6.10 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $2.24 59% less | $5.45 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇮🇪19
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $46/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelSnoozles Hostel Galway City Centre (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$46/night
Total hostels7
🇮🇸18
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $50/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelNordic Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$50/night
Total hostels5
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇮🇪 Galway
🇮🇸 Reykjavik
City to City
Getting Between Galway & Reykjavik
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇮🇪 Galway
🌧 Rainfall: 74mm/month
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug
🇮🇸 Reykjavik
🌧 Rainfall: 118mm/month
Best months: Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇮🇪 Galway
1. Christopher Columbus MonumentFree
2. Famine Ship MemorialFree
3. Menlo Castle Entrance ArchFree
4. An ChroisFree
5. Claddagh Ring MuseumFree
🇮🇸 Reykjavik
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Galway or Reykjavik cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Galway vs Reykjavik?+
Do I need a visa for Galway or Reykjavik?+
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