Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Hofn?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hofn or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Akureyri, 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: Hofn or Akureyri?
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.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHofn $151Akureyri $138
The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $138. 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 Hofn and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHofn $97Akureyri $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHofn $194Akureyri $178
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Akureyri? 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.
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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hofn $27Akureyri $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- From Private Diamond Circle Nature Tour & Transfer: $1,331
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $114
- Private Transfer to/from Akureyri Airport: $31
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Hofn 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
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Food Meals for one dayHofn $36Akureyri $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hofn $18Akureyri $16
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: $129
- Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $160
- Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
- Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $185
- Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $282
- Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $289
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Akureyri Private Tour with Myvatn Nature Baths by Luxury VAN: $409
- 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour: $88
- Goðafoss, Laufas & The Christmas House Tour: $121
- Hunt for the Northern Lights Photography Tour: $124
- Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Landscapes Tour: $155
- Mývatn Nature Baths and Goðafoss Waterfall Tour: $209
- Northern Lights Photography Tour: $141
- Northern Lights Tour: $107
- Northern Lights Tour in North Iceland: $119
- Siglufjörður Four Tunnel Private Day Tour: $745
- Zipline Tour: $90
- Aldeyjarfoss and Hrafnabjargafoss waterfall Super Jeep tour: $256
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHofn $12Akureyri $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Akureyri
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Akureyri:
- Local taste, handcraft & micro brewery tour: $143
When comparing the travel costs between Hofn and Akureyri, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hofn Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hofn or Akureyri?
Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Akureyri, 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 Hofn or Akureyri?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Hofn or Akureyri in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Akureyri.
In July, Hofn is generally cooler than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Akureyri. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHofn 9°C (48°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. Hofn is a little warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHofn 4°C (40°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Akureyri in the Winter?
Both Akureyri and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit.
Akureyri can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In the winter, Hofn is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Akureyri. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHofn -0°C (31°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Hofn or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Akureyri.
Akureyri can be very cold during spring. Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Hofn is generally around the same temperature as Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHofn 2°C (36°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Hofn
| Hofn | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 0°C (32°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (32°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 2°C (36°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 5°C (40°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 9°C (48°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 9°C (48°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 7°C (44°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 4°C (40°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
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.