A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aqaba vs. Hofn for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aqaba or Hofn?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Hofn, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Hofn?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

Hofn

Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland.


Which place is cheaper, Hofn or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Hofn is $205. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aqaba and Hofn in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Hofn $112
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Hofn $224
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Hofn

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Hofn? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aqaba


Hotels in Hofn


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Hofn Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Hofn $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
  • Sheikh Hussein Crossing Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $250
  • Private Transfers To Petra: $200
  • Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
  • Private Transfer to Petra with Wi-Fi and Water: $191
  • Private Petra Day Trip from Aqaba Port with Return Transfer: $190
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Allenby King Hussein Bridge: $173
  • Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169
  • Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
  • Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border: $153

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hofn

Also for Hofn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Hofn Airport Hotel Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Hofn?

Prices for flights to both Hofn and Aqaba change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aqaba $73
    Hofn $72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.

  • Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $110
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Hofn $20

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • "Jordan: 3-Day Tour of Ancient Sites, Nature,&Local Culture": $317
  • 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $61
  • 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $73
  • 05 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $68
  • 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $99
  • 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
  • 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
  • 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $190
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $90
  • 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $200

Tours and Activities in Hofn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.

  • Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $145
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
  • Crystal Ice Cave & Super Jeep Tour from Jökulsárlón: $176
  • The Original Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $195
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $238
  • Blue Ice Cave Exploration from Jökulsárlón (Small Group Tour): $257

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Hofn $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Hofn, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Aqaba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Hofn is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Aqaba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aqaba and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hofn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hofn than you might in Aqaba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Hofn Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Hofn?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Hofn, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aqaba or Hofn?

Hofn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Aqaba or Hofn in the Summer?

Both Hofn and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is much warmer than Hofn in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Hofn fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Hofn. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Hofn 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Hofn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Hofn. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Hofn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Hofn averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Hofn. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Hofn 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Hofn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Hofn. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hofn can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Hofn. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Hofn fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

It's quite rainy in Hofn. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Hofn. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Hofn -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Hofn in the Spring?

Both Hofn and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.

Hofn can be very cold during spring. Aqaba is much warmer than Hofn in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Hofn fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Hofn. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hofn receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Hofn 2°C (36°F)

Typical Weather for Hofn and Aqaba

Aqaba Hofn
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)