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

Should you visit Hofn or Geneva?

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

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

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.

Geneva

Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and was previously the home for the United Nations Headquarters. The UN is now housed in New York City, but there is still a very strong presence in Geneva. Geneva is not known to be as energetic as some other European cities, but if you search it out, then you're sure to find some interesting places and lively nightlife. It's a very international city, in part because of the heavy UN presence, giving it an interesting feel. It is a French speaking city, and advertisements, signs, and television are all done in French.

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 Switzerland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Geneva 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 Geneva is $210. 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 Geneva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Geneva $145
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Geneva $290
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Geneva

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Geneva? 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 Geneva


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 Geneva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Geneva $9.38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Geneva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Geneva:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,567
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Geneve: $2,214
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Meribel (FR): $1,129
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Courchevel (FR): $1,038
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere: $826
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez: $794
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Leukerbad: $730
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Chamonix (FR): $699
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Private Transfer to Montreux: $690
  • Private Transfer: Geneva Airport to Zermatt Tasch Station: $689
  • Private Transfer From Geneva Airport to Saas-Fee: $689
  • Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Adelboden: $678

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Geneva?

Prices for flights to both Geneva 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
    Geneva $52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Geneva

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

  • Geneva City Tour with Cooking Class: $144
  • City Tour and Fondue Cooking Class: $185
  • Food tour in Geneva: $2,406

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Geneva $30

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 Geneva

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

  • (KTG210) - Geneva City Tour and Yvoire: $176
  • (KTG353) - Winter Tour: Gruyeres, chocolate tour from Geneva: $169
  • (STTG04) - Sightseeing Cruise at Geneva with Wine and Aperitif: $32
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Bike Guided Tour in Geneva: $34
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Tour Package To Siwa Oasis From Cairo: $394
  • 3 Hour Private Chocolate and Watch Walking Tour of Geneva: $168
  • 3-Hour Private Walking Tour in Geneva: $283
  • Activé Geneva Urban Art Tour 3h on a bike or ebike: $198
  • Annecy - Venice of the Alps - Tour from Geneva: $84
  • Annecy Private Guided Tour from Geneva: $354
  • Audioguided sightseeing cruise of Geneva: $21
  • Best Intro Tour of Geneva with a Local: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Geneva $22


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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Geneva?

Geneva has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Geneva, 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 Geneva?

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 Geneva in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Geneva. Also, many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hofn is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Geneva. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Geneva in the Autumn?

Both Geneva and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hofn can get quite cold in the autumn. Hofn is much colder than Geneva in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Geneva fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Geneva. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Geneva in the Winter?

Both Geneva and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Geneva can be very cold. Hofn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than Geneva. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Geneva averages at about 4°C (39°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Geneva. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Geneva in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Geneva. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than Geneva. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Geneva fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Geneva. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Geneva receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Geneva and Hofn

Hofn Geneva
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)