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

Should you visit Hofn or Kingston?

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

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

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.

Kingston

Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.

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


Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Hofn?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $207, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $123. 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 Kingston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $113
    Kingston $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $226
    Kingston $124
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Kingston

Looking for a hotel in Hofn or Kingston? 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 Kingston


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 Kingston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $31
    Kingston $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:

  • Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
  • From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Negril: $749
  • Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $479
  • Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $369
  • From Kingston Airport: One Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $319
  • Private Transfer from Montego Bay Port to Kingston Airport (KIN): $268
  • Runaway Bay Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $261
  • Group Private Kingston Airport Transfers (10 - 15 Persons): $251
  • Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
  • Kingston Round Trip Airport Transfers to Ocho Rios : $230
  • NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
  • Airport Group Transfers-Kingston: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Kingston?

Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 $73
    Kingston $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hofn $20
    Kingston $12

Tours and Activities in Hofn

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

  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $157
  • The Orignal Ice Cave Tour in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: $164
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170
  • Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: $182
  • Frozen Wonders : Small Group Ice Cave Tour: $200
  • Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $203
  • 3 Hours Blue Ice Experience in Vatnajokull : $214
  • Sindri’s Ice Cave Photography Tour: A Local’s Perspective: $215

Tours and Activities in Kingston

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

  • Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Ocho Rios: $232
  • Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
  • Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
  • Blue Mountain Tour: A Half-Day Escape from Kingston: $1,011
  • Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
  • Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
  • Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
  • Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
  • Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $134
  • City Tour of Kingston Including Entry Fees: $105
  • Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
  • Devon House City Tour Combo: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $13
    Kingston $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hofn and Kingston, we can see that Hofn is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hofn is in Europe and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston 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 Kingston.

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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Kingston?

Kingston has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn and Kingston, 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 Kingston?

Hofn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hofn or Kingston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Kingston. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.

In the summer, Hofn is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hofn in July average around 9°C (48°F), and Kingston averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Hofn usually gets more rain in July than Kingston. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Kingston 29°C (83°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Kingston in the Autumn?

Both Kingston and Hofn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the autumn. In October, Hofn is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around 4°C (40°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kingston. It's quite rainy in Hofn. In October, Hofn usually receives less rain than Kingston. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Kingston 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Kingston in the Winter?

Both Kingston and Hofn during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hofn. Hofn is much colder than Kingston in the winter. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hofn. Hofn usually gets more rain in January than Kingston. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Kingston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Kingston. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Hofn can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Hofn is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hofn in April average around 2°C (36°F), and Kingston averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In April, Hofn usually receives more rain than Kingston. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Kingston 26°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Kingston and Hofn

Hofn Kingston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (80°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 29°C (83°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 28°C (82°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)