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

Should you visit Hofn or Amsterdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Hofn?

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 Hofn is $205, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $245. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $112
    Amsterdam $119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $224
    Amsterdam $238
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Amsterdam? 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 Hofn


Hotels in Amsterdam


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 Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $31
    Amsterdam $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hofn

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

  • Private Hofn Airport Hotel Transfer: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.72
  • Renting a Bike
    $17
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.03
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • From Private Transfer to Efteling Theme Park: $465
  • Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $337
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam to Kinderdijk, 2h stop De Haar Castle: $298
  • Schiphol Airport Taxi Transfer | Amsterdam: $296
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $296
  • Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Haarlem: $284
  • Private taxi transfer from Amsterdam to Giethoorn: $277
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam>Rotterdam, 2h stop at De Haar Castle: $273
  • 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Utrecht: $266
  • Private Car Round-trip Transfer Amsterdam to Keukenhof Tulips: $266
  • Private transfer: Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h stop in The Hague: $265
  • Private transfer from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, 2h Stop in Delft: $264

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hofn $72
    Amsterdam $93

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $14
  • Self Guided Food Tour in De Pijp District of Amsterdam: $59
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $60
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $71
  • Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $89
  • Amsterdam Food Tour: +10 Tastes, Culture and Canals with Sherpa: $89
  • Top 10 Tastes of Guided Walking Food Tour: $91
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $95
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $105
  • Dinner Canal Cruise 4-Courses Including Drinks: $105
  • Jordaan Food Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition: $108
  • Private Dutch Pancake Cooking Class in an Amsterdam Canal Home: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $20
    Amsterdam $42

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.98
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • 1 Hour Iconic Canal Belt Cruise: $69
  • 1 Hour Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $118
  • 1, 2 or 3-7 Days Nightclubs & Best Nightlife in Amsterdam Ticket: $15
  • 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $178
  • 2 Countries in 1 Day: Cologne Day Tour from Amsterdam: $236
  • 2 Hours Amsterdam Private Walking Tour: $136
  • 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $231
  • 2 hour food tasting Tour in Amsterdam Group Tour: $107
  • 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $53
  • 420 Official Smoking Boat Tour in Amsterdam: $24
  • 4Hrs with a Local in Full Private & Personalized Tour.: $284
  • 75 minute Blue Boat Company City Canal Cruise and Maritime Museum: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $13
    Amsterdam $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Red Light District Bar Crawl: $24
  • Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30
  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $32
  • Halloween Bar Crawl in Central Amsterdam: $101
  • Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink: $103
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $140


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Hofn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hofn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hofn 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Hofn.

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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Amsterdam?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

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 Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Amsterdam. Additionally, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

Hofn is much colder than Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Amsterdam. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amsterdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Amsterdam. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. Hofn is much colder than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Hofn

Hofn Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)