Daily costs per person in Icelandic króna. Southeast Iceland is remote and expensive, but the natural spectacles are free and camping keeps costs manageable.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: Króna (ISK) (1 USD ≈ 137 ISK)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,500–5,500 ISK | 12,000–22,000 ISK | 35,000+ ISK | Campsites → guesthouses → glacier-view hotels |
| Food | 2,500–4,000 ISK | 6,000–10,000 ISK | 15,000+ ISK | Self-catering → casual dining → langoustine feasts |
| Transport | 3,000–5,000 ISK | 8,000–12,000 ISK | 20,000+ ISK | Fuel share → rental car → guided tours with transport |
| Activities | 0–6,000 ISK | 11,000–15,000 ISK | 25,000+ ISK | Free sights → zodiac tour → ice cave + glacier hike |
| Drinks | 1,000–2,000 ISK | 3,000–5,000 ISK | 7,000+ ISK | Supermarket beer → pub pints → cocktails in Höfn |
| Daily Total | 8,000–22,500 ISK | 40,000–64,000 ISK | 102,000+ ISK | $58–164 → $292–467 → $744+ |
Money-saving tips
Self-cater at campsites
Iceland's restaurants average 3,000–5,500 ISK per meal. Shop at Bónus or Krónan supermarkets and cook at campsite kitchens. A Camping Card (19,900 ISK) covers 28 nights across Iceland.
Free natural attractions
Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach, all waterfalls, canyons, and black sand beaches are free. The most spectacular sights in southeast Iceland cost nothing — spend your budget on experiences instead.
Share a rental car
A rental car split between 3–4 people is cheaper than tours. Economy cars start at 8,000 ISK/day. Use the Samferda.net rideshare site to find travel companions for fuel splitting.
Skip the Blue Lagoon
At 7,990+ ISK, it's Iceland's priciest swim. The Secret Lagoon (3,000 ISK) and local pools like Vesturbæjarlaug (1,150 ISK) are cheaper and more authentic Icelandic experiences.
Bring a refillable bottle
Icelandic tap water is pure glacial water — never buy bottled. Fill up at any tap, campsite, or stream away from agricultural land. It's the best water you'll ever taste.
Book activities online ahead
Glacier hikes, zodiac tours, and ice caves are cheaper when booked online in advance. Walk-up prices are 10–20% higher and popular tours sell out, especially in July and August.
