Comparison · Anchorage vs Reykjavík · United States / Iceland
Anchorage vs Reykjavík
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Anchorage for Gateway to Alaska and Chugach Mountains; choose Reykjavík for Northern lights, Midnight sun, beaches and a milder winter. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 5,419 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 5,419 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Anchorage
- June–August
- Best time for Reykjavík
- June–September
Side by side
| Anchorage | Reykjavík | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United States | Iceland |
| Known for | Gateway to Alaska, Chugach Mountains and Moose in the city | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Hallgrímskirkja |
| Best time to visit | June–August | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $240–$400 | $220–$400 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 19°C (66°F) | July, 14°C (57°F) |
| Coldest month | January, -5°C (23°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | Nauthólsvík geothermal beach |
| Airports | ANC | KEF, RKV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Anchorage for…
Gateway to Alaska and Chugach Mountains. Anchorage is home to about 40% of Alaska's population, spread between the Chugach Mountains and the tidal waters of Cook Inlet. It is the hub for most Alaska trips: the Alaska Railroad leaves for Seward, Whittier, Talkeetna and Denali, and glacier cruises…
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Choose Reykjavík for…
Northern lights, Midnight sun, beaches and a milder winter. Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital and home to about a third of Iceland's population, but its centre is small enough to walk across in 20 minutes, from Hallgrímskirkja church down Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur to the Old Harbour and Harpa…
Top sights compared
| # | Anchorage | Reykjavík |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anchorage Museum | Hallgrímskirkja |
| 2 | Alaska Native Heritage Center | Harpa Concert Hall |
| 3 | Tony Knowles Coastal Trail | Sun Voyager |
| 4 | Flattop Mountain | National Museum of Iceland |
| 5 | Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm | Perlan |
Food compared
| Anchorage | Reykjavík |
|---|---|
| Wild salmon | Icelandic lamb soup |
| Halibut | Fish stew |
| King crab | Icelandic hot dog |
| Reindeer sausage | Skyr |
Which is cheaper?
Anchorage and Reykjavík cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $240–$400 in Anchorage and $220–$400 in Reykjavík (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Reykjavík on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 5,419 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Anchorage or Reykjavík cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $240–$400 in Anchorage and $220–$400 in Reykjavík (estimates).
+Is Anchorage or Reykjavík better for a first trip?
Pick Anchorage for Gateway to Alaska and Chugach Mountains, or Reykjavík for Northern lights, Midnight sun, beaches and a milder winter.
+How far is Anchorage from Reykjavík?
About 5,419 km in a straight line.