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

Should you visit Hofn or Belfast?

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

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

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.

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.

One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.

Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.

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 United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Belfast 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 Belfast is $166. 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 Belfast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Belfast $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Belfast $170
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Belfast

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Belfast? 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 Belfast


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 Belfast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Belfast $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Dublin Airport: $294
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Derrygonnelly: $286
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Belcoo: $286
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bellanaleck: $268
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Kinawley: $264
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisnarick: $259
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Ballinamallard: $248
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Castlederg: $248
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisnaskea: $243
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Maguiresbridge: $243
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownbutler: $236

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Belfast?

Prices for flights to both Belfast 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
    Belfast $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

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

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Belfast $23

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: $284
  • Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $291

Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    $9.97

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
  • Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Belfast $9.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When comparing the travel costs between Hofn and Belfast, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Belfast?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Belfast, 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 Belfast?

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 Belfast in the Summer?

Both Belfast and Hofn during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

In July, Hofn is generally much colder than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Belfast. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Belfast 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Belfast in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Belfast. Furthermore, many travelers come to Belfast for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. Hofn is much colder than Belfast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Belfast fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Belfast. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Belfast 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Belfast in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Belfast. Additionally, many visitors come to Belfast in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Belfast can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than Belfast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Belfast averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Belfast. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Belfast in the Spring?

Both Belfast and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Belfast for the activities around the city during these months.

Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than Belfast. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Belfast fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Belfast. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Belfast receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Belfast and Hofn

Hofn Belfast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)