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

Should you visit Hofn or Cardiff?

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

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

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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Cardiff 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 Cardiff is $194. 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 Cardiff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Cardiff $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Cardiff $232
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Cardiff

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff


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 Cardiff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Cardiff $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $139
  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $95
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Cardiff?

Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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
    Cardiff $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Cardiff $31

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

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

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

  • 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
  • Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
  • Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
  • Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $187
  • Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $37
  • Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Cardiff $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

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

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Cardiff. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hofn is much colder than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Cardiff. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Cardiff 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hofn can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Cardiff 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Cardiff in the Winter?

Both Cardiff and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cardiff in the winter. The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Cardiff. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Cardiff 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Cardiff. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cardiff for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. Hofn is much colder than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Cardiff 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Hofn

Hofn Cardiff
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 80 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 11°C (52°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)