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

Should you visit Hofn or Caen?

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

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

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.

Caen

Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.

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 in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen 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 Caen is $133. 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 Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Caen $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Caen $132
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Caen? 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 Caen


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 Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Caen $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

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

  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63
  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen 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
    Caen $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Caen $21

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 Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268
  • D-Day private tour Omaha Beach from Caen with audio guide.: $268
  • From Caen or Bayeux: Normandy History Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Caen $18


When comparing the travel costs between Hofn and Caen, 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 Caen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Caen. Furthermore, many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hofn is generally much colder than Caen. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives more rain than Caen. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Caen. Additionally, most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

Hofn can get quite cold in the autumn. Hofn is much colder than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hofn usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. Hofn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

It's quite rainy in Hofn. In January, Hofn usually receives more rain than Caen. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Hofn during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than Caen. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Hofn

Hofn Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)