Greenland is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It should be at the top of your travel list. In this travel cost guide, we'll break down everything you need to plan your trip's budget. From accommodation to food to sightseeing and transportation, we'll give you the details you need to enjoy every moment of your trip without overspending.
How much does it cost to travel to Greenland?
You should plan to spend around $302 (kr2,100) per day on your vacation in Greenland. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $119 (kr825) on meals
- $51 (kr357) on local transportation
- $280 (kr1,947) on hotels
A one week trip to Greenland for two people costs, on average, $4,226 (kr29,400). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,113
kr14,700
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$4,226
kr29,400
-
One Month
Per person
$9,055
kr63,000
-
One Week
For a couple
$4,226
kr29,400
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$8,452
kr58,800
-
One Month
For a couple
$18,111
kr126,000
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Greenland cost?
A one week trip to Greenland usually costs around $2,113 (kr14,700) for one person and $4,226 (kr29,400) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Greenland on average costs around $4,226 (kr29,400) for one person and $8,452 (kr58,800) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Greenland will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Greenland on average costs around $9,055 (kr63,000) for one person and $18,111 (kr126,000) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Greenland expensive to visit?
Greenland is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Greenland is somewhat more expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Europe for its travel costs. While a few countries in the region are more expensive, Greenland is more expensive than most.
No matter your travel style or budget, Greenland has plenty of sights, activities, and places to stay that will meet your needs. Budget-conscious travelers will find affordable hotels, but there are also luxury hotels for those seeking more opulence, as well as mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Greenland offers a luxury experience, but you can still keep your spending in check with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $133 (kr916) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $306 (kr2,100) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $590 (kr4,053) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Greenland.
For more details, see Is Greenland Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Greenland?
The average Greenland trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Greenland travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Greenland cost?
Greenland on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$61
(kr423)
|
$140
(kr974)
|
$273
(kr1,901)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$22
(kr156)
|
$51
(kr357)
|
$98
(kr682)
|
|
Food 2
|
$52
(kr361)
|
$119
(kr825)
|
$227
(kr1,577)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$20
(kr139)
|
$46
(kr318)
|
$87
(kr607)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$7-20
(kr47-141)
|
$15-46
(kr107-321)
|
$29-88
(kr205-614)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
It's common to hear that a visit to Greenland can cost just $133 a day, but unless you're willing to forgo many comforts, expect to spend significantly more.
Backpackers often find ways to stick to this tight budget, but it generally means staying in hostel dorms, grabbing meals at the cheapest spots or fast food places, relying on public transport or walking, and visiting only free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $306 per person each day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $590. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like the major cities and resort areas. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Disko Bay 2025 - offered by Albatros Expeditions.
Accommodation Budget in Greenland
Greenland has a surprising range of hotel prices. During peak season, everything gets more expensive, so visit in the off-season for better deals. There's also a big gap between budget and luxury options, but booking early helps keep costs down.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Greenland for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $280 (kr1,947). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $140 (kr974) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Greenland? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Greenland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $51 (kr357) per person, per day, on local transportation in Greenland. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Greenland is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$51
kr357
Food Budget in Greenland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Greenland can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Greenland is $119 (kr825) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$119
kr825
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Greenland is about $120 (kr825) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $53 to $230 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Greenland are as follows:
- Breakfast: $22 to $36
- Lunch: $18 to $60
- Dinner: $42 to $96
- Coffee: $11
- Fast Food or Street Food: $19
Cuisine in Greenland is historically made with the meat of marine mammals, game, birds or fish. There is a significant amount of protein in the traditional dishes. After colonization the cuisine was greatly influenced by Danish and Canadian cultures. Restaurants today often have a mix of traditional dishes and more international options. During the summer months it is not uncommon to eat outdoors.
Suaasat: This is the national dish of Greenland. It's a traditional soup that is usually made with either seal or whale, reindeer or sea birds. It also has onions and potatoes and is flavored with salt, pepper and a bay leaf. It can be thickened with either rice or soaked barley.
Ammassat: Seafood in Greenland is often smoked. In particular, this fish is a favorite. It is in the salmon family and is easily dried.
Arfivik: This is a popular dish made with Bowhead whale. The whale meat is smoked and served with onions and potatoes.
If you're eating out with children, seek out restaurants that provide a kids menu. This can significantly reduce your dining expenses, as those options are generally lower priced. Some places may not showcase their kids' meals, so it's always smart to ask the waiter before ordering.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle with you instead of constantly buying drinks. It's a good way to help the environment as well.
When preparing for a tour, make sure you know in advance what meals are included. You might be responsible for paying for some food, which can raise your costs.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Greenland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Greenland typically cost an average of $46 (kr318) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$46
kr318
A nice way to explore destinations in Greenland is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- The Best of Nuuk Walking Tour for $284 details
- The best of Ilulissat walking tour for $188 details
- Ilulissat Walking Tour For Couples for $228 details
Nightlife Budget in Greenland
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $31 (kr214) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Greenland per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$31
kr214
Cutting back on drinks while enjoying the nightlife can really help you save money on your trip.
Traveling in Greenland
Greenland
Greenland is the largest island in the world that is not its own continent. It is located in the far northeast of North America and is mostly found within the Arctic. It was granted self government from Denmark in 1979 and then more recently voted for autonomy as its own country with only formal ties left to Denmark. Currently, Copenhagen is still responsible for foreign affairs but many people predict that eventually Greenland will have full independence.
Greenland is about the size of Mexico, although looking at it on a flat map can be very misleading, as it looks about the size of Africa. It also has the world's lowest population density. Particularly in the small towns, there are very few signs for restaurants or hotels, so you may have to ask where you can eat or stay. Nobody will mind giving you directions as they likely know where everything is and are often eager to help.
Southern Greenland is jokingly called the "banana coast" by locals as this is where you will experience the least extreme temperatures, although it is still bitterly cold. It is also the most accessible part of Greenland. This area has many beautiful fjords and mountains, as well as flowering plants and fertile land, all next to icebergs and glaciers. Western Greenland is what is typically thought of when one envisions Greenland. There are dogsled trips, houses with with fish and sharkmeat hanging out front, and large icebergs floating in the ocean. Eastern Greenland is sparsely populated, even by Greenland standards and Northern Greenland is predominantly occupied by Northeast Greenland National Park.
At A Glance
- Although there are several cruises that visit Greenland, in general, flying is your only way to reach the country. Trans-oceanic flights arrive in either Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq. This limited accessibility mean that traveling to Greenland is quite expensive. Travel agents may be your best option when arranging flights because they occasionally know of discounts through Greenland Tourism.
- Once you're in Greenland, it can be a difficult place to travel around. The sparse population and a lack of infrastructure mean that many parts of the country are completely inaccessible. There is no road or rail system, so the easiest way to travel is by plane. Air Greenland is the best domestic airline. During the summer months destinations between Narsarsuaq and Uummannaq on the west coast can be reach by Arctic Umiaq passenger ships.
- The official language of Greenland is Greenlandic. This is most commonly used along the western coast, but in the east the dialect is slightly different. Both languages are quite difficult to learn due to the challenging pronunciation. Almost all Greenlanders also speak Danish and some have a decent understanding of English. It's worth trying to learn a few words in Greenlandic though as this can greatly improve your experience.
- The official currency of Greenland is the Danish Krone. In touristy areas the Icelandic krona, Euros, Sterling, and US Dollars may also be accepted. While the number of places that accept credit and debit cards continues to rise, Greenland is still predominantly a cash economy. Hotels and major chains may take credit cards, but otherwise it's best to be prepared to pay with cash. Every town has at least one ATM and many banks will give cash advances on credit cards.
- There are some fascinating souvenirs you can buy in Greenland. Inuit art and crafts are interesting. Sealskin is made into belts, purses, coats, and almost anything else. Duty free items are also available including alcohol and cigarettes.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Ilulissat Icefjord: This fjord is located in western Greenland and is well worth a visit. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
The Midnight Sun: In the northern two thirds of Greenland there are several days to weeks during the summer months when the sun does not set. The summer solstice, June 21st, is a national holiday. It is a truly unique experience to be somewhere that the sun does not go down. During the winter months the reverse is true and it is always dark.
Norse Settlements: It is possible to see the remains of several Norse Settlements in Southern Greenland. In Igaliku there are the remains of a Greenlandic cathedral and a reconstruction of Thorhilda's church is seen in Qassiarsuk.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.