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

Should you visit Hofn or Glasgow?

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

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

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.

Glasgow

Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland with a population of about 600,000 and more than 2 million in the surrounding areas. It is located on the edge of River Clyde and has long been acclaimed as Scotland's main industrial city. It remains a major economic center for the United Kingdom outside of London. In recent years it has also been awarded the European titles as both the City of Culture as well as the City of Architecture and Design.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glasgow 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 Glasgow is $180. 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 Glasgow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Glasgow $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Glasgow $184
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Glasgow

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Glasgow? 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 Glasgow


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 Glasgow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Glasgow $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

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

  • From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
  • Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
  • Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
  • Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
  • Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
  • Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $207
  • Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
  • Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
  • Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
  • Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Glasgow?

Prices for flights to both Glasgow 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
    Glasgow $56

Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    $2.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Glasgow $28

Tours and Activities in Hofn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.

  • Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $284
  • 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: $291
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170

Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    $15
  • Two Bike Rental
    $42

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.

  • 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
  • 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
  • 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
  • Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
  • City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
  • Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
  • Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
  • From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
  • From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $15
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    $4.36

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Glasgow:

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456


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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Glasgow?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Glasgow, 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 Glasgow?

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 Glasgow in the Summer?

Both Glasgow and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year.

In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Glasgow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Glasgow averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Glasgow in the Autumn?

Both Glasgow and Hofn during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Glasgow for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. In October, Hofn is generally much colder than Glasgow. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Glasgow fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Glasgow. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Glasgow in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Glasgow. Also, many visitors come to Glasgow in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Glasgow can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. Hofn is much colder than Glasgow in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Glasgow fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hofn gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hofn usually receives less rain than Glasgow. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Glasgow in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Glasgow. Also, most visitors come to Glasgow for the activities around the city during these months.

Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Glasgow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Glasgow averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Glasgow. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Glasgow receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Glasgow 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Glasgow and Hofn

Hofn Glasgow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)