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

Should you visit Hofn or Annecy?

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

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

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.

Annecy

Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France, where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. It's known for its Vieille Ville (old town), with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses. Annecy is situated on a stunning aqua clear lake between the Northern alps of France. Only thirty minutes away from Geneva, Switzerland, this French-Swiss town is unlike any other. Another nickname for this city is the Venice of France because the small center of the city is filled with water passages lined with beautiful flower boxes. The city is romantic because the waterways filled with lights that illuminate the bricks and you feel as if you are in a whole other world with no one around you. The purity of the lake and the beauty of its setting compels Anneciens outdoors - in good weather it seems everyone is hanging out in pavement cafes, mountain-gazing along the lakefront, swimming in the lake, or just aimlessly cycling around it.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Annecy or Hofn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Annecy is $191. 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 Annecy in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Annecy $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Annecy $196
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Annecy

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Annecy? 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 Annecy


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 Annecy Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Annecy $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Annecy

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

  • Lyon : Luxury private transfer to Annecy in Van: $374
  • Private transfer from Geneva airport to Annecy: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Annecy?

Prices for flights to both Annecy 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 $36
    Annecy $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Annecy

For Annecy, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Annecy Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Annecy Old Town with Local Guide: $148
  • Private Market Tour and Modern French Cooking and Meal with a Local in Annecy: $188
  • Private Walking Food Tour: $348

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Annecy $44

Tours and Activities in Hofn

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

  • Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $282
  • Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $185
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $160
  • Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $129
  • Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $289
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170

Tours and Activities in Annecy

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

  • ANNECY | Private Walking Tour of Annecy's Historical Center: $191
  • Annecy 2-Hour Segway Tour: $64
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h: $44
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 1h30: $55
  • Annecy Segway Tour - 2h: $66
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour: $43
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $334
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $12
  • Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Annecy $37

Sample the Local Flavors in Annecy

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

  • Wine Tour with private driver: $850


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Annecy, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hofn or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hofn is much colder than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives more rain than Annecy. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Annecy 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in October than Annecy. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Annecy 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Annecy. Furthermore, many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. It's quite cold in Hofn in the winter. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than Annecy. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Annecy 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Annecy. Additionally, many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. Hofn is much colder than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in April than Annecy. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Annecy 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Annecy and Hofn

Hofn Annecy
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)