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

Should you visit Hofn or Howth?

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

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

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.

Howth

Howth is a traditional fishing village and suburb of Dublin that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to their beautiful natural scenery and incredible fresh seafood restaurants. The fresh sea air, relaxed atmosphere, and great seafood attracts tourists and Dubliners alike. They've also become a popular filming location due to Howth Castle and the picturesque harbours and walking trails.

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 in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Howth 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 Howth is $144. 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 Howth in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Howth $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Howth $136
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Howth

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Howth? 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 Howth


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Howth $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Howth?

Prices for flights to both Howth 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
    Howth $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $18
    Howth $27

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 Howth

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

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

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


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



When is the best time to visit Hofn or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Howth. Additionally, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hofn is much colder than Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Howth. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Howth 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Howth because of the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

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

It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives more rain than Howth. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Hofn or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Howth. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Howth. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Howth 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Howth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Howth. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. Hofn is much colder than Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Howth. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Howth and Hofn

Hofn Howth
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)