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

Should you visit Hofn or Ghent?

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

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

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.

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent 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 Ghent is $127. 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 Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Ghent $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Ghent $154
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Ghent? 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 Ghent


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 Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Ghent $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Ostend <-> Luxembourg transfer (1 to 8 places): $233
  • Ghent <-> Amsterdam Shuttle Transfer (1 to 8 Seats): $229
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Luxury Van: $166
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Business Car: $147
  • Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) to Bruges- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent 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
    Ghent $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

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

  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $102
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Ghent $9.26

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 Ghent

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

  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $49
  • Christmas Experience in Ghent - Walking Tour: $491
  • Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $22
  • Experience Christmas in Mons - Walking Tour: $247
  • Exquisite Sites of Ghent - Family Tour: $187
  • Exquisite Sites of Ghent - Family Tour: $384
  • From Brussels: Private Tour of Bruges, Ghent and Flanders: $620
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.26
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $49
  • Ghent Beer and Sightseeing Adventure: $97
  • Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track: $52
  • Ghent City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Ghent $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Ghent Pub Trail : Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a young local: $245


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Ghent, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Ghent much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ghent would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ghent 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 Hofn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hofn than you might in Ghent.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hofn Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Ghent, 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 Ghent?

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 Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Hofn during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hofn is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 9°C (48°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Ghent. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ghent for 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 Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 4°C (40°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Ghent. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Ghent. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Hofn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hofn is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hofn in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Hofn receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In April, Hofn is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 2°C (36°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Ghent. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and Hofn

Hofn Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)